SPECIAL Hall of Fame Event with 2017 Alum Tristan Wirfs

www.MVAlumni.org VOLUME 176 ISSUE 1 SPRING/SUMMER 2021 MOUNT VERNON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT ALUMNI NEWS PLEASE SUPPORT THE ALUMNI ASSOC. WITH YOUR DONATION... SEE BACK PAGE SPECIAL Hall of Fame Event with 2017 alum Tristan Wirfs July 10 - Main Stage at Heritage Days - 6 pm -- Join us as the The John Pospisil ‘66 family makes Alumni Association honors Tristan Wirfs from the Class of 2017 Heritage Days a time to get together. with a ‘Mustang Outstanding Achievement Hall of Fame’ award. Above are Jared ‘94 and Scott ‘95. Tristan is a big deal to both our alumni and the Mount Vernon INSIDE... community, and throughout Tristan’s success from Mount Vernon 2 Reunions Update schools, through the University of Iowa to the NFL, he has never 4 President’s Message forgotten about Mount Vernon. And, Mount Vernon fans are 5 Heritage Days 2021 Events Tristan’s biggest fans! Tristan is the son of Sarah Wirfs ’93, sister of PHOTO CREDIT AP 6 Brannaman Family Feature Kaylia Wirfs ‘20. See page 4. 10 Mustangs - What Are They Doing Now? Jim Wallace ‘64 Daniel Laiswer ‘10 Amy Friedl Stoner ‘01 THERE’S NO Amelia Kibbie ‘02 PLACE LIKE 13 Alumni News 16 2020 Foundation Annual Gift Report MountT 21 2021 School District Retirees 23 Our School District 2020-2021 24 2021 Support & Donation Form After a one year breakVernon due to COVID-19, the Annual Heritage Days Festival, Mount 2021 ALUMNI Vernon’s biggest summer festival, will take Other Saturday events place Friday and Saturday, July 9 and 10 include a Car Show, parade at 11 a.m., EVENTS with a theme of ‘There’s No Place Like Mount a bags tournament, carnival games, food watch for updates to come via Vernon.’ vendors, a beer tent, live music, special email, Facebook, or on our website at www.mvalumni.org Heritage Days will be hosted by the Mount alumni event to honor Tristan Wirfs at Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group 6, and a street dance led by headliner 2021 HALL OF FAME (CDG) in partnership with the Mount Vernon Crazy Delicious starting at 8:30 p.m. Alumni Association, the City of Mount Vernon, New this year will be the Memorial Park & HOMECOMING Kernoustie Golf Club and several other local Family Fun Zone with a Wizard of Oz OCT 8 organizations. theme that offers children and families The event starts Friday, July 9, at Kernoustie the opportunity to skip down a recreated “See us at the Golf Club with a Kids Fun Run, followed by Yellow Brick Road and meet costumed Alumni-Community inflatables, a trackless train, a food/beer tent, OZ characters. Also new this year, all Reception during a rock wall, live music, a balloon glow, and a school buildings and the Lester Buresh Heritage Days. Recreation Center will offer tours. Serving delicious fireworks show at dusk. chocolate On Saturday, July 10, the day begins at 8 am If your class is having a reunion, see shakes as an with our All-Alumni-Community breakfast at listing on the next page. Even if your Association class is not having a reunion, click your fundraiser.’ MV High School followed by Heritage Days events in Uptown. Visit the Alumni Assocation heels and come home for this community Reception area in the old Fire Station and celebration. enjoy friendship, displays, yearbooks, and ice TURN TO PAGE 5 FOR FULL SCHEDULE cream. A perfect meet-up spot. 2021

525 Palisades Road SW Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314 [email protected] 319-895-8845 or 319-389-8602 www.MVAlumni.org www.MVAlumni.org Mustang ALUMNI REUNIONS UPDATE 2016 - 5 YEARS - - Heritage Days weekend 2000 20 years - tba Friday, July 9, outdoor tailgate starting Find us on Facebook around 7 pm. Location tba soon on our Contact Katey Forest Sanders THANK YOU ADVERTISERS! ‘Mount Vernon Class of 2016’ Facebook Phone: 319-551-4136 group. All other updates will be posted there Email: [email protected] Please support and thank the following as well. Contact: Lauren Sauter publication advertisers: Contact: Jenna Brannaman Kannegieter Email: [email protected] Phone: 917-528-8891 Email: [email protected] Contact: Jenny Mick Ballard Ability Physical Therapy...... 7 Phone: 319-558-6811 Email: [email protected] Envisage...... 8 Contact: David Taylor Phone: 510-654-7116 319-329-6666 Phone: 319-855-2822 Gary’s Foods...... 14 1996 - 25 YEARS - Heritage Days weekend Hills Bank & Trust Co...... 7 2015 5 years - tba Iowa Physical Therapy...... 3 Saturday July 10, 5-8 pm, Kroul Farms Contact: Courtney Maddocks Contact: Maggie Lessmeier Willems Koppenhaver & Associates...... 3 Phone: 319-895-6316 319-826-4634 Email: [email protected] Mount Vernon Bank & Trust...... 14 Contact: Abbey Teubel Phone: 319-929-4542 Richardson-Hanson Agency Phone: 319-455-0147 319-651-4712 Contact: Ben Pospisil and Hotz Agency...... 7 Email: [email protected] To advertise in the Alumni News -- 2011 - 10 YEARS - Heritage Days 2021 Phone: 319-330-9493 call 319-389-8602 or email Friday eve -- meet up at Scorz [email protected] Sat eve -- meet near Heritage Days beverage 1995 - 25 years - reunion being planned tent Contact: Carrie Rutledge On Facebook at Email: [email protected] CALL FOR ‘Mount Vernon Class of 2011’ Phone: 323-632-4680 Contact: Micah Wieditz VOLUNTEERS Email: [email protected] 1991 - 30 YEARS -- Heritage Days 2021 Volunteer to help the Association on Phone: 319-654-6126 Visit our Facebook page ‘MVHS Class of ‘91’ Saturday, July 10 from 8-9 am or to RSVP via the poll on the class page. 9-10 am in the kitchen at the high 2010 10 years - tba Friday, July 9 - 6 pm, meet at Scorz Bar, meal school for our breakfast, or as a Contact: Thomas Mlynarczyk selections for $10 with live music at 9 two-hour host any time from 11:30 Contact: Emily Stoner Contact: Deanna Parish Gray am to 8:00 pm. In addition, Heritage Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Days needs volunteers for set-up on Phone: 318-551-6634 Phone: 515-321-2051 Saturday morning the10th from 8 am Contact: Sarah Woods to 10 am, and Friday the 9th from 6 Contact: Molly Giegerich 1990 - 30 years - Heritage Days 2021 pm to 8 pm. Contact Kathy at Saturday, July 10, 2-5 pm basement/patio at 2005 15 years - tba [email protected] or text/call The Local Contact: Chrystal Covington Wherry 319-389-8602. Friday event tba. Phone: 319-540-1879 Please join our class Facebook page: Email: [email protected] Mt. Vernon High Class of 1990 ALUMNI NEWSLETTER is published twice yearly for Contact: Kim McGowan McAdams alumni and friends of the Association. Views are those of the 2006 - 15 YEARS - Heritage Days 2021 Phone: 773-294-7301 authors. Articles and advertisements (preferably digital) may be Saturday, July 10, 7 pm - meet uptown on submitted by email to [email protected] or by mail to 525 Email: [email protected] Palisades Road SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314. All materials Main Street near the Heritage Days beverage Contact: Paul Morf submitted are subject to review by the Alumni Association tent. We will plan ahead for a larger gathering Phone: 319-841-3472 Mount Vernon alums, click your heels and find you way home to Mount Vernon for Communications Committee. For advertising rates write or call for our 20 year. Email: [email protected] your reunions and upcoming alumni events. Join the Mount Vernon Community this 319-895-8845. Contact: Jessica Corcoran Fitzpatrick Heritage Days July 9-10 where their theme is ‘There’s No Place Like Mount Vernon.’ Email: [email protected] 1986 - 35 YEARS - postponed to 2026 Mark your calendar for upcoming Homecoming and Alumni Hall of Fame events on Phone: 319-551-2171 Contact: Deb Winchip Douglass October 8, 2021. Contact: Kim Smyth Email: [email protected] Phone: 319-482-2541 Phone: 641-755-3055 MV Community Events www.visitmvl.com 2001 - 20 YEARS - postponed to 2022 1985 - 35 years - tba 20th anniversary postponed due to Contact: Dave Ryan 2021 COVID. Looking for volunteers to help Phone: 319-899-4965 Oct - Chili Cookoff & Chocolate Stroll plan something for 2022 Email: [email protected] December - Magical Night Contact: Jessie Bigley Gallagher other events: Lincoln Hwy Arts Festival Email: [email protected] and more Phone: 469-544-7858

You are a student once, but an alum for a lifetime.

Salad Bar offering a variety of fruits and vegetables offered daily. Variety of milk offered daily. VOLUME 17 ISSUE 1 SPRING/SUMMER 2021 page 3

1981- 40 years - Heritage Days Weekend 2021 1961 - 60 YEARS - Heritage Days Weekend Celebrating 40 years of friendship! Friday, July 9 - Ladie’s Only Outing KOPPENHAVER & FRI. (at Sutliff Bridge) Friday, July 9 - 5 pm evening gather at Sutliff SAT. evening (at the Skillet & Uptown) on the bridge, evening fireworks show at the ASSOCIATES, PC Contact: Rhondi Ewing County Club Email: [email protected] Saturday, July 10 8-10 am Alumni-Community Phone: 805-499-1415 breakfast at the High School, followed by the parade at 11 am 1980 - 40 years - tba Saturday, July 10 5 pm, Class Reunion ban- Looking for classmates to plan reunion. quet, Sally’s Restaurant in Springville Is this you? Sunday, July 11 Noon, Jim and Melani Certified Public Vislisel’s farm SEE PAGE 14 1976 - 45 YEARS - postponed to 2026 Contact: Dick Miner Accountants Email: [email protected] 204 Glenn Street SE, Suite 1 Looking for classmates to help plan reunion. Phone: 775-833-2747 K Contact: Glori Holtz Roman Mount Vernon, IA 52314 Contact: Bunny Williams Copeland Email: [email protected] (319) 895-6001 Visit us on the web at Phone: 319-377-7644 www.koppenhavercpas.com Phone: 319-396-2991 Email: [email protected] Ann Koppenhaver, CPA 1975 - 45 years - Homecoming Weekend 1960 - 60 years - Homecoming Weekend Class of ‘78 Oct 8 and 9, 2021 watch for details to come Oct 8, 2021 watch for details to come Mount Vernon Community School Contact: Lori Lehman Reihle Contact: John Rife District Foundation President Phone: 319-310-2639 Phone: 319-310-8105 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Contact: Annamae Stoneking Baker 1971 - 50 YEARS - postponed until 2022 Phone: 319-895-8979 Contact: Wendy Kaplan Johnson 1971 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 319-551-1428 1956 - 65 YEARS - - Heritage Days 2021 -Saturday, July 10th - All Alumni-Community 1970 - 50+1 years breakfast at the High School 8-10 am Friday night July 9, 6-9 p.m., meet and greet -Parade at 11 am - uptown events at “The Local”, 103 1st St. NW on main street after parade Saturday July 10, 8-10 am, Alumni-Community - Evening get together at Roger Schnittjer’s Breakfast, High School, followed by boarding home with finger food and drinks We offer a range of physical therapy services to help float to participate in parade. -Sunday, July 11 - Brunch at Leona Smith’s you get better and feel stronger. Saturday 6-10 pm, at ‘Mount Vernon Creates,’ More information to classmates will be sent We specialize in orthopedic injuries, preventing and 121 1st St. NW SEE PAGE 14 with more information later. treating sports injuries and rehabilitation for workers Contact: Chris Swiser compensation clients. We also work extensively Contact: Leona Reyhons Smith with older patients and have helped many in our Phone: 319-360-0741 Email: [email protected] community regain skills and abilities. Email: [email protected] Phone: 319-361-8097 On the staff are MV alums Jeremy Elliott’89 and Contact: Dan Stoner Contact: Roger Schnittjer Stephanie Legore Meier’00 Phone: 319-360-6634 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 319-895-8817 Mount Vernon-Lisbon Clinic 108 1st St. SE Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314 319-895-4085 1966 - 55 YEARS - Heritage Days Weekend 1955 - 65 years - Heritage Days 2021 Saturday evening, July 10, at home of Jeri and breakfast Barb Neal FIND THE SUN Contact: Kay Jilovec Lind Contact: Jeri Neal Phone: 319-377-2079 319-538-6244 NEWSPAPER ONLINE Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Find the Sun online in two places: Phone: 319-895-8171 First, if you are a current subscriber Contact: Cindy Buresh Prewitt go online to www.mvlsun.com, click Email: [email protected] 1949-1950-1951 - 70 YEARS - Heritage Days 2021 breakfast E-EDITION at the top of the page. Phone: 612-940-0287 You may also receive news alerts. Contact: Margaret Ellison Duffy 1946 - 75 YEARS - Heritage Days Breakfast Current and archived. Email: [email protected] Second, online at www.colelibrary.org, Phone: 319-930-0917 to find Mount Vernon news from 1945 - 75 years - - Heritage Days breakfast 1860 to the Sun of 2013 1965 - 55 years - next reunion in 2025 Contact: Susan Mounts Fisher Phone: 319-389-3686 WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT OF Email: [email protected] THE MV ALUMNI ASSOCIATION!

TURN TO THE BACK PAGE TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP US CONTINUE ************ THIS PUBLICATION AND OUR Your class may not be having a reunion, but come on Heritage Days weekend to enjoy seeing TRADITIONAL ALUMNI EVENTS classmates, other alums, teachers, and your friends from the community. www.MVAlumni.org ALUMNI & COMMUNITY PRESIDENT’S EVENT Saturday, July 10, 6 pm MESSAGE Heritage Days Main Stage Where do I begin this letter? So much is happening Presentation of and so much has happened this past year. First, Andrew Morf ’94 ‘Mustang Outstanding H Alumni Association it appears that life is finally beginning to return to President Achievement Hall of normal, albeit a “new normal” as Covid 19 cases H Fame’ award continue to fall rapidly, at least in our country, thanks to incredible vaccines created in record time and delivered Join alumni and community H at warp speeds. As it relates to life in Mount Vernon this summer, it NOTE: as we do a little cheering means that Heritage Days is back on the calendar, and we anticipate times are and hollering to honor subject to it to be a very large town gathering given the twenty-four month hiatus change 2017 alum Tristan Wirfs this event has taken due to the pandemic.

Earlier this year, there were discussions at the community level about the viability of continuing Heritage Days given the significant financial Tristan Wirfs to Receive and volunteer commitment required with no obvious or reoccurring funding mechanism. The Mount Vernon Alumni Association became ‘Mustang Outstanding heavily involved in these discussions as it is our belief this is an essential town celebration that creates a unique venue and opportunity Achievement Hall for MV alums, from not only the area, but from all around the country, and really all ends of the globe, to come home to reconnect with of Fame’ Recognition classmates, friends, and family. Every summer numerous class reunions Join us as the Alumni Association honors Tristan are held during this weekend, a large breakfast is served at the High Wirfs from the Class of 2017 with a ‘Mustang School for MV Alums, and tours are given of the schools prior to the Outstanding Achievement Hall of Fame’ award on town parade. It is a perfect time of year to be in Mount Vernon and July 10th at 6 pm on the Heritage Days main stage. reconnect with the past while witnessing future generations thriving in the present. It is a reminder of the circle of life in which we are all As a Mustang in high school, Tristan was known a part, as well as a reminder of the opportunity we all have to give not only as a great athlete, but as a great guy. As a back a portion of the success we have earned, thanks in part to the senior he was elected to the U.S. Army All-American investment teachers and coaches made in us while attending school Bowl, named to Des Moines Register Elite all-state here. team, named captain of 2A Iowa Newspaper As- sociation all-state team, named district offensive line Determined to keep Heritage Days thriving, the Alumni Association has MVP and Class 2A Iowa Preps Offensive Lineman made a $5,000 commitment to this year’s Heritage Days. If we see of the Year, and earned first-team all-district for three that MV alums are supportive of this investment through the donations straight seasons. He was a 3-year football letterman you continue to generously give, our hope is to provide this financial as both an offensive and defensive lineman and support indefinitely. We are making this gift this year on a bit of a leap then a team captain as a senior. Tristan was named of faith, but believe we will be supported in this decision, and thank the Des Moines Register All-Iowa Boys High School you in advance for your support. Athlete of the Year in 2016-17 and he was also a state champion in discus and shot put as a junior We are excited to announce that during Heritage Days we will be and senior and a won state wrestling championship holding a special Hall Of Fame event honoring Tristan Wirfs from as a senior. He earned the Robert Kramme Award graduating class of 2017. He will be honored with the newly created for most outstanding boys high school performer at ‘Mustang Outstanding Achievement Award’ for playing as a starting 2017 Drake Relays. offensive lineman and helping his team – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers – win a Super Bowl. Our board determined no current Hall of Fame As a Hawkeye for the University of Iowa, Tristan Award appropriately recognized the success of Tristan and his was a three-year starter and the first true freshman accomplishments a mere three and a half years after graduating to start at offensive tackle under head coach Kirk from Mount Vernon High School and that special recognition beyond Ferentz, according to Hawkeyesports.com. Wirfs anything we had given was both necessary and deserved. We hope started all 13 games in 2019, 10 at right tackle you can attend this special event recognizing Tristan. and 3 at left. He was named the Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year in the Big Ten, earned Enjoy summer and a renewed lease on life in what is hopefully fast First-Team All-American honors by multiple outlets becoming a Post Covid World. and was an All-Big Ten selection his junior year.

Determined to keep Heritage Days thriving, the Alumni Now as an NFL American League Tampa Bay Buc- caneer, he is an offensive tackle. He was selected Association has made a $5,000 commitment to this year’s in the 2020 NFL draft in the first round, 13th pick, Heritage Days. If we see that MV alums are supportive of this where he would be blocking for the G.O.A.T., Tom Brady. During the nine months from draft day when investment through the donations you continue to generously Tampa Bay was on the doorstep of winning the give, our hope is to provide this financial support annually. Super Bowl, Tristan was the only player on the Bucs continued on page 10 ALUMNI & ALUMNI & ALUMNI & ALUMNI EVENT VOLUME 17 ISSUE 1 SPRING/SUMMER 2021 page 5 Friday, July 9 3-5 pm COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY Early Bird Reception EVENT EVENT EVENT First Street Community Sat., July 10 8-10 am Tours of all school Reception Area Center lobby Breakfast and Tours buildings, the new open at old Fire Station Pick up your ‘grab-n-go’ Performing Arts Center, uptown Saturday, July 10 H Alumni of all ages are breakfast & and enjoy coffee & the Lester Buresh after parade until dark welcome to visit the First and juice along with other Street Community Center alumni and families, school Recreation Center Join alumni and community for a tour and reception. staff, and MV community. Pick up a map at any school for a spot to sit down, enjoy Enjoy refreshments and Cost of breakfast is a building and go for a cold water, pictures and H what was likely once your monetary donation. self- guided tour yearbooks, play a game of high school Eat in the commons or Fine Friday from 10 am - 2 pm bags, and get a chocolate or middle school building. Arts lobby, tours available and Saturday from 8-10 am shake! Great meet-up spot! ALUMNI FUNDRAISER Host present in all bldgs Chocolate Shakes for sale $3

Heritage2021 Heritage Days Days2021 Schedule Schedule of Events of Events

THERE’S Thursday, July 8th – Kernoustie Golf Cub NO PLACE LIKE 1 p.m. Heritage Days 3 Person Best Shot Call Kernoustie GC clubhouse to sign-up, (319) 895-8193 MountT

Friday, July 9th – Kernoustie Golf Club Vernon 8:00 AM-2 PM MVHS Alumni and Friends Golf Special – 9 holes w/ cart $16; 18 holes w/ cart $22

5-5:45 PM Kids Fun Run Registration Kernoustie Golf Club 6 PM Kids Fun Run Kernoustie Golf Club 5:30-9:30 PM Children’s entertainment including inflatables, rock wall, trackless train 5:50-9:30 PM Food/Beer Tent Kernoustie Golf Club 6 PM-9 PM Activities and Family Night at Kernoustie Golf Club Balloon Glow 7 PM Sound starts at 7 p.m.; band plays 8-9:30 PM FIND UPDATES AT 8:45 PM Bagpiper www.visitmvl.com Dark Fireworks Display by Heritage Days OR find a complete listing and updates in the Heritage Days issue of the Mount Vernon- Lisbon Sun newspaper Saturday, July 10th - Uptown Mt. Vernon

8-10 AM Alumni and Community Breakfast Serving from 8-10 am in the High School Commons. All alumni, families, friends, and the community. Cost: Donation at the door. 9 AM to 1 PM CAR SHOW, 1st Street from 5th Avenue to 3rd Avenue 11 AM Heritage Days Parade, First Street West – Theme = “There’s No Place Like Mount Vernon” Parade starts on First Street West, winds down 5th Avenue North and ends at 7th Street. Line up begins at 10:00 am 11 AM to 3 PM Memorial Park Family Fun Zone – Wizard of Oz-themed crafts and games for kids 11:30 AM-9 PM Alumni Reception Hang out with your classmates uptown and meet fellow alums from many classes. Friends, family, and Community welcome. Noon-8 PM Carnival games, Main street in front of the old fire station Noon- 10 PM Lions Club Bingo, event takes place in front of MV Bank on Saturday only Noon-midnight Food Vendors, First Street West Different street vendors with both local and regional favorites Beverage Tent, First Street West Noon-midnight Main Street Stage, First Street West 12:30-1 PM Mt. Vernon/Lisbon Young Adults Theater/ Mt. Vernon/Lisbon Community Theatre 1:00-1:30 PM Dance Arts Iowa 2:00-5:45 PM MV Wrestling Team – bean bag toss tournament fund raiser 6:00-9:00 PM DJ music 8:30 PM-midnight Crazy Delicious Band 5:30-7:30 PM Theme Night @ the Mt. Vernon Pool 9:00-11 PM Movie Night @ the Mt. Vernon Pool “Wizard of Oz”

www.MVAlumni.org Mustangs...what are they doing now? BRANNAMAN FAMILY GIVES BACK TO MOUNT VERNON SCHOOLS Hats off to the Brannaman family for the many ways they give to the Mount Vernon School District. Pictured below are Ben Brannaman from the Class of 2005 (left) and Alex Brannaman from the class of 2009 (right), sons of alum Denise Henik Brannaman (middle) from the class of 1981. In addition to being number one Mustang fans, Ben serves the District as Foundation Director, Alex as PHOTO CREDIT a member of the Alumni Assciation Board, and Denise as a member of the MV School District Board. LISA LEWIS VOLUME 17 ISSUE 1 SPRING/SUMMER 2021 page 7

CLASSROOM CASH Mt. Vernon Schools BRANNAMAN FAMILY GIVES BACK TO MOUNT VERNON SCHOOLS you’ve earned $56,996 ■ DENISE HENIK BRANNAMAN 1981 the stage and received my MV diploma but then when I reflect on it, it seems Tell about variety of things to have flown by. The old sayings like you do and have done for “where has the time gone,” “don’t the school district... blink,” and “time goes faster than you think” are really true. Dan and I have been married for 36 years, raised our Earn more, at no cost to you: I am currently serving in four children, became grandparents to my second term on the hillsbank.com/classroomcash three and couldn’t be happier to have Mount Vernon school done this where we both grew up in board. I feel honored the Lisbon-Mount Vernon area. For most to serve with such a of those 36 years our lives revolved great group of caring around what our kids were doing in and dedicated individuals along with school and activities, which we truly Dr. Batenhorst. I am part of SIAC, the enjoyed. Each morning I walk our town Management Committee, the Facilities and I still continually realize how special Committee and also serve on the Mount this place truly is to have called and Vernon housing commission as the continue to call home for us and all our district liaison. I served on fine arts for family. 10+ years while our children were in school including the role of treasurer If I would write down what has with my husband Dan prior to being happened since graduation it might get a board liasion in addition to being a too long and sound a little ho-hum , but band parent volunteer for 12 years. I on the contrary, as it has been amazing was an assistant 4-H leader for 10+ and just as I would have planned when I years for many students in our district. graduated way back then. Do you have a goal or project for our district Richardson-Hanson What do you do now? that you would like to see through? & Hotz Insurance Agencies Agents, licensed in all lines of insurance, provide Presently I still run a small in-home you the opportunity to have one agency working One of my continuing goals for our with you to create a sound insurance program. daycare for school employees. This district is to ensure that as our students Serving alums across the midwest. allows me to have summers off so I walk through the front doors each and 319-895-8633 can spend time crafting, baking and 306 Hwy 1 SE Mount Vernon everyday, we give them the best well- cooking, gardening, working on our JEREMY HOTZ ‘99, Agent [email protected] rounded educational experience we SPENCER DRAHOS ‘14, Agent [email protected] farm, being a grandma, and just possibly can. Our own children and all enjoying each day to its’ absolute fullest. other students are so fortunate to have I enjoy being involved in many different such a committed group of individuals H H H H H H H H H H levels at our church, St. Johns, and I teaching them along with a community presently serve on their Pastoral Council. that supports our district. I get emotional as I watch graduation each year An accomplishment you are proud of? feeling I may have had a small part in developing such awesome individuals On a personal note, I am most proud to who receive their diplomas and walk having raised and been given the honor out of our doors one last time and begin of being “mom” to Ben, Alex, Cory • ORthOpaedic & SpORt injuRieS the next chapter in their lives. On the and Jenna, all who graduated from project side, I would like to see through • WORk injuRy • pOSt-SuRgical Rehab Mount Vernon and Wartburg College. the completion of our new proposed H H H H An accomplishment within our district activities complex. Our district is in need was to have helped in a very small way PT, MS, ATC, CSCS of this facility and it will be an amazing Michael Reiling to produce our new Performing Arts Licensed Physical Therapist addition to our campus along side the Center which has been so rewarding as Licensed Certified Athletic Trainer LBC as well. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist I watch our students on stage. I still get goosebumps when I walk into the PAC. Same day appointments available 319-895-8655 What have you been doing since you left This project had been waiting to be 300 Virgil Avenue, Mount Vernon, IA 52314 Mount Vernon High School? completed for a very long time. Wow, that seems like so long ago when H H H H H H H H H H you count the years that I walked across continued on next page www.MVAlumni.org

A favorite memory or two of your time at ■ ALEX BRANNAMAN 2009 am excited about the proposed Activities Mount Vernon Schools -- or of a favorite Complex and its potential to serve as teacher perhaps? Tell about the variety of an important investment and facility for things you do, and have both the district and community. The As a MV student in marching band done, for the school proposed proximity on the district’s under the direction of Don Stine, I district. campus to all three district school fondly remember how proud I was to buildings will be a tremendous benefit march in the Cherry Blossom Festival in I have been serving for district activities and generations of Washington D.C. And on that trip we on the Alumni Mount Vernon students. managed to stay overnight in cabooose Association Board cars in the country and rode a bicycle since 2014! What have you been doing since you left built for two on a sunny early morning Alongside outstanding Mount Vernon High School? in the rolling hills while seeing farmers Board members, I am fortunate to plow with horses. be part of a team that carries out the Upon graduation from MVHS, I mission of the Association and engages continued my education at Wartburg One year our marching band theme with alumni through communications, College in Waverly. I graduated from revolved around Overture 1812 and events, and programs. Association Wartburg in 2013 with a degree in I distinctly remember the REAL canon operations are a year-round, team accounting, and I began my career at that was used in our show and how it effort. Currently, I assist the Board with the University of Iowa. After growing up echoed through Mt Vernon when we did secretarial duties. During 2009-2011, I in the Mount Vernon-Lisbon community, I the halftime show for football games. worked for the district during the summer appreciate being able to be back home Our band won just about everything to help manage and maintain facilities and reside in our special part of the we competed in for both marching and grounds. I have great memories of state. The individuals and organizations and concert band for many years and working alongside district staff during in our local community make this place numbered over 100. It was when I was the Iowa summer months. special and one-of-a-kind! in band and choir that I could truly be me. Do you have a goal/project for our district What do you do now? that you would like to see through? Our band was a family and if you I am a finance and operations ask Mr. Stine about the those years he The Association holds an important role administrator for the Office of the should say without a doubt, that he had since its establishment in April 2005, Executive Vice President and Provost at the best clarinet section ever in the late and I look forward to working with The University of Iowa. I am honored to 70’s and early 80’s. It is because of my Board members to continue the strong serve as a board member with the Iowa positive and rewarding experiences in tradition of connecting alumni with each City-based Red Shamrock Foundation, fine arts that I remain determined that all other and the district. As the Association which raises awareness of the unique of our MV extra-curricular activities stay strives to preserve the storied past and health care needs of childhood cancer strong and available. keep pace with the ever-changing future, survivors and supports survivorship there are opportunities to continue programs and research. In April Every student has passions and it is our showcasing to alumni the exceptional 2021, the Red Shamrock Foundation responsibility to help them find those work by our district through excellence was pleased to be able to continue passions. I had many good teachers in academics, arts, and athletics. its support of the Pediatric Cancer but I fondly remember Mr. Dick Peters. I The Association’s display case in the Survivorship Clinic at the University could have listened to his history stories Performing Arts Center will soon house Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital far longer than one period a day. alumni achievements and memories. I with a $80,000 commitment. Within the

At far left, Alex Brannaman ‘09 works on notes at an Alumni Association Board meeting. At left, School Board Member Denise Henik Brannaman ‘81 presents diplomas at the 2016 graduation ceremony, in this picture to her daughter Jenna. VOLUME 17 ISSUE 1 SPRING/SUMMER 2021 page 9 local community, I volunteer at St. John ■ BEN BRANNAMAN 2005 at One Mission. the Baptist. For the past decade, Ben and I co-directed the Heritage Days 5K Run/ Tell about the variety of What do you do now? Walk. things you do, and have done, for the school district. My wife Brittany (MV Class of '04) and An accomplishment you are proud of? I are thrilled to be raising our family in I serve alongside our the Mount Vernon area. In addition to Wartburg College defines leadership as Foundation Board of my work with a global nonprofit, we are “taking responsibility for our communities Directors to facilitate proud to call Veritas Church in Cedar and making them better through public philanthropic support of Rapids home. action.” After the August 2020 derecho, the district. The Mount my mother, sister, and I spent time at Vernon community - both An accomplishment you are proud of? the Mount Vernon Cemetery picking up far & wide - is so generous, and it's a debris, American flags, and decorations. joy to connect with you all. It was awesome to be part of the In the afternoon, I unexpectedly worked fundraising campaign for Mount Vernon's alongside a fellow alum to clear downed Do you have a goal/project for our district new community wellness center - now trees and prepare a site for a service. that you would like to see through? known as the LBC. The philanthropic Growing up in a Midwestern community, support (more than $2 million) allowed I am thankful the values of service above The multi-activities complex project is an the city to build a facility that is such a self and public good were rooted in me initiative that I'm excited to see become resource for our community - including the by parents, grandparents, teachers, and a reality. We are nearing $1 million school district. many others. Moments like that day in in gifts and commitments towards the August make me proud to be a Mount project, working towards a goal of $2.5 A favorite memory or two of your time at Vernon alum. million. We invite you to join us as we Mount Vernon Schools -- or of a favorite build a facility that will serve our Mount teacher perhaps? A favorite memory or two of your time at Vernon community for years to come. Mount Vernon Schools -- or of a favorite In the years ahead, I would love to see So many good ones - too many to count. teacher perhaps? the Mount Vernon-Lisbon area better One of my most notable memories has to connected with bike trails. More to come be our team's state track championship Many administrators, faculty, and staff on that front! in 2004. And getting the chance to be contribute to favorite experiences as a on the coaching staff in 2012 for the student. I always enjoyed history classes What have you been doing since you left boys basketball state championship and discussions, and ever since being Mount Vernon High School? team. As I reflect on teachers, I can't a student of both Mr. Alnot and Mr. help but acknowledge Mrs. Richardson Meeker, I continue to have a passion for After graduating from Wartburg College for the impact she had on my ability to history and historical nonfiction reading. (Go Knights!) and working in Waverly communicate through my writing. The thrilling, late-night 4x400 meter for a year, I moved back to the area and races are part of many track and field have spent the majority of my career in It is so fun to get to serve our district memories with teammates and coaches! philanthropy. Around town, you can find alongside my mom Denise and brother Although only my coach for one season, me enjoying lunches at Palisades Cafe, Alex. I'm proud of the progress we've I am grateful for the time and memories afternoon espressos at Fuel and hanging made as a district and community in with Coach Bellamy. The season was with family and friends at The Local. this season, and I'm excited to keep the enough to make a lasting impact, and And dreaming up new world-changing momentum going. Coach Bellamy helped shape me into ideas w/ John Rhomberg and the crew who I am today. CONNECT WITH THE SCHOOL To stay current with Mount Vernon Mustang academics, athletics, fine arts, activities and more be sure to check out the awesome, online content from the ‘Mustang Moon’ via YouTube, website, Twitter and Facebook! If you’re on Instagram look up “themustangmoon.” Great work being done by our award- winning journalism department - sign up on their website to get automatic email updates! https://www.youtube.com/user/MVHSroom208 http://themustangmoon.com/ https://twitter.com/TheMustangMoon… https://www.facebook.com/TheMustangMoon/ District and individual schools website is at www.mvcsd.org Enjoy ‘MUSTANG VISION’ Mount Vernon’s home of high school sports and fine arts broadcasts. Free, live, play-by-play of Mustang athletics and fine arts! Find it online at GoMVStangs.org. You will also find their broadcast schedule and archived events. www.MVAlumni.org

TRISTAN WIRFS, CONTINUED Mustangs...what are they doing now? who played every snap -- 1,284, and ■ JIM WALLACE 1964 allowed just one sack. The Buccaneers and Tristan went on to win Super Bowl 2021 during Tristan’s first year. Entering his sophomore season, Wirfs is already arguably the best right tackle in the entire NFL. Today he weighs in at 320 lb at a height of 6 ft 5 in.

The Mount Vernon community and alumni nation-wide are Tristan’s best fans. Keep it up, Tristan! We’re behind you!

Tristan is the son of Sarah Wirfs ’93, sister of Kaylia Wirfs ‘20. His high school coach was From left to right: Rik Smith, Jackie Wallace, Ellie Smith, Jim Wallace ‘64, Lance Pederson. Caleb Smith and Jamie Wallace Smith ‘01. Photo by Nathan Countryman- MV Lisbon Sun. Editor’s Note: Source MV-Lisbon Sun staff the volunteer crews for the service, As a Mustang, as well as participates in calls as graduating in 2017 By Nathan Countryman needed. MV Lisbon Sun reporter LMVAS director Jake Lindauer noted PHOTO CREDIT MVHS JOURNALISM DEPT For more than two decades, Jim Wallace the average length of a career for Mount Vernon School District staff members from the Mount Vernon class of 1965, a volunteer paramedic is usually six and community members rally outside the Wirf has been one of the faces of the Lisbon- years, which Wallace has more than home on NFL Draft day in 2020 when Tristan Mount Vernon Ambulance Service. He quadrupled. was drafted to the Buccaneers in the first round. was recognized for his 25 years of volunteer service at a reception on May Wallace is still participating on calls 11, 2021. with the service to this day and encourages people to consider serving Wallace joined the service in 1996, as an EMT. “There have been a number and his contributions have run the gamut of times when I’ve arrived on a call and from maintenance of the first ambulance heard ‘Boy, I’m glad you’re here,’ as shed to leadership in the LMVAS it’s nice for people to see a face they fundraising and volunteer committees. know when they’re facing a medical emergency,” Wallace said. Wallace contributed more than 100 hours a week with the LMVAS being ****** PHOTO CREDIT MVHS JOURNALISM DEPT on-call for a number of years for the “Not only one of the best tackles in the NFL, service, more than four days out of Jim can be reached at but also one of the best humans as well. Thanks every week. That’s meant numerous [email protected] to SuperBowl champion Tristan Wirfs of the times where he has had to respond Tampa Bay Buccaneers for stopping by our practice and making these kids day!” when a pager goes off to run an ambu- Matt Thede, April 7, 2021 lance call to help provide medical care to a Lisbon or Mount Vernon citizen in Thank you to EVERYONE who need. volunteers to help at Alumni Association events -- we couldn’t Wallace has been instrumental in do it without YOU! ensuring facilities match a growing service, for example, adding a lounge area to the LMVAS shed, which allows Enjoy ‘MUSTANG VISION’ Mount volunteers who are on call a place to Vernon’s home of high school sleep or decompress between calls. sports and fine arts broadcasts. Free, live, play-by-play of Wallace was also influential in Mustang athletics and fine arts! determining the model that will work best for the LMVAS service with having GoMVStangs.org. a full-time paid EMS director who helps Find it online at VOLUME 17 ISSUE 1 SPRING/SUMMER 2021 page 11

■ DANIEL LAISER 2010

Editor’s Note: Daniel wrote to the Alumni Association earlier this year, and we asked him to follow up his email with an update:

MAY 2021 EMAIL:

“You probably have been sending emails to me because I’m an ALUMNUS of Mount Vernon high I am so much blessed that I have School. I was in Mount Vernon accomplished my medical studies Iowa in 2009/10 during my although I look forward to studying exchange year, hosted by Amy further, but I am proud of where I am and Brad Russell, and I loved so that I can make people smile by helping much being in America. I have their health become better. not enough space to tell you all the fun I had in America including Mount Vernon was a home to me. I am my experiences with snow, Halloween, homecoming, and Mr MVCSD -- in which I afraid of mentioning a memory because participated in all of them and finally prom. I love all of the Mount Vernon teachers everyone was so helpful and welcoming and students and all alumni. and supporting to my stay in Mount Vernon. But to mention just a few I am currently back in Tanzania and completed three years of medical school in 1 - Mary Young, my math and biology 2017, and now I now a practicing doctor. teacher, was so much of a blessing to me. I loved how she would teach I have been working in sports ministry and I’m actually building a relationship with in a fun and easy way that I have FCA. I learned about FCA in Mount Vernon and I thought it is best for me to continue not seen in Africa, especially from the journey of sports and cooperation with my American friends through FCA. science teachers like her. 2 - Joleen Woods, my choir and music Please pass my greetings to all my friends in Mount Vernon, Lisbon, Solon, and teacher, I love her. Cedar Rapids.” So many people in Mount Vernon are FOLLOW UP: all my favourites, I really can’t separate their goodness. I remember a very Since I left Mount Vernon in 2010 June just after graduation from Mount Vernon high happy time with a play “The Pajama school, I rejoined my local high school until I graduated in October of the same year Game” where I was one of the actors after sitting for my final exams. I passed my national exams and I was selected to and I really had a wonderful time with join an advanced level of high school for my form five and six levels. I graduated in most of my fellow students and teachers. 2023 February I then joined military national service under a government mandate. I completed this national service in October 2013 and stayed home until September This is just a summary of all the fun I had 2014 when I joined Medical school. I completed a diploma in clinical medicine three in Mount Vernon. Hopefully I will get an years later in 2017. opportunity to visit Mount Vernon in the future. After graduating from medical school I continued working at a Lutheran hospital for 2 years until 2019 when I heard God’s calling for sports ministry. I am now working *********** on establishing a relationship with fellowship of Christian athletes FCA so that I can Daniel can be reached at do sports ministry and still looking for anyone who is interested in sports who might [email protected] or by mail at get behind my ministry for support. (Please when you share this update, let me know PO Box 9596, Simanjiro, Tanzania anyone who might be interested in supporting sports ministry in Tanzania.)

You’re invited to the First Street Community Center Early Bird Reception for an Early Bird Reception on Friday, July 9, from 3-5 pm. Enjoy some refreshments, some good company, and a tour of what was either your July 9 3-5 pm old Middle School or High School. You will be AMAZED at the variety of shops and businesses now in the building.

Best time all year to see many people you know at our traditional Alumni- Join Us At Heritage Community breakfast or uptown at our Reception area and Heritage Days events. See pages 1, 4, and 5 Days 2021 JULY 9 and 10 www.MVAlumni.org

■ AMY FRIEDL STONER 2001

PHOTO CREDIT AMY STONER

Amy was guest jazz vocalist with Mount Vernon High School’s Jazz Ensemble the both an interview with Amy and the Swingin’ Stangs as a part of Jazz 88.3 KCCK-FM’s Corridor Jazz Project in February finished product on YouTube at https:// of 2021. They performed and record Bobby Darin’s “As Long As I’m Singing,” with tinyurl.com/yrrk4dfh Amy, directed by high school director Scott Weber. Amy says “It was so fun to be *********** back at my alma mater with my son Weston in tow, and he even got to see senior Amy can be reached at amysuefriedl@ pictures of his mom, dad, aunts, uncles and grandparents hanging up in the high msn.com, or friend her on Facebook to school. I cherish any opportunity to safely make music right now, and today’s crew keep up with her performance schedule. was top notch. Thanks to Dennis Green & Ed Karr for all of their hard work on this project every year. I can’t wait to see the final product, filmed by Gmixeast!” See

■ AMELIA CARL KIBBIE 2002

PHOTO CREDIT MVL SUN Amelia is Mount Vernon’s new poet laureate for the City of Mount Vernon. She replaces Marianne Taylor. The Mount Vernon Area Arts Council recommended Kibbie as the city’s second poet laureate. Mount Vernon alums and friends met in early May to serve as a sounding board She will serve two years, which included in selecting this year’s two graduation speakers. The group served as audience creating a poem for the recent Mount to several seniors who gave their proposed speech, then provided feedback to Vernon Memorial Day event. In addition, principal Steve Brand. The two 2021 seniors selected by the high school were Keean she will host one public event that has to Kamerling and Megan Baumler. Pictured from left to right are: front row: Patti Lynch, do with poetry each year. (Source: MVL Barb Thomsen Neal ‘68, Terese Pisarik ‘65, Marilyn Dean Schnittjer ‘58, Brenda Sun) Langenberg. Back row: Kim Zangger Tucker ‘94 - Alumni Association Board Member and chair of committee, Cathy Hufford ‘83, Pat Melchert ‘84, Chris Swiser ‘70, Rich In November of 2019 she debuted her Aalbers, and Derek Boren ‘00. first novel ‘Legendary,’ published by Running Wild Press. It is available via Amazon or wherever books are sold. HALL OF FAME ******************* Amelia can be reached at May 1, 2022 Deadine for Hall of Fame NOMINATIONS [email protected] or -- DON’T DELAY NOMINATE AN ALUM YOU THINK IS DESERVING OF A SERVICE, [email protected] ACHIEVEMENT, FINE ARTS, COMMUNITY IMPACT OR ATHLETIC AWARD NOW! www.MVAlumni.org VOLUME 17 ISSUE 1 SPRING/SUMMER 2021 page 13

Kristen Elliott ‘18 was named Luther College women’s Alumni News... basketball team offensive player of the year and team Send us your information... In Memory most valuable player. She of classmates we have lost [email protected] was named American Rivers or call 319-389-8602 Kathy Conference honorable Richard ‘Dick’ McKeen 1951 mention all-conference. Kristin is the March 9, 2021 Iowa City, IA BIRTHS daughter of Jeremy Elliott ‘89. Miranda Roudabush Moore ‘13 and Brady Pearl Whitlatch Martin Sydney Meeker ‘17, a senior all-American January 29, 2021 Mount Vernon, IA of Port Hueneme, CA, a son, Mason volleyball libero at Cornell College, was Ryder, March 16, 2021. Barbara Bridges Hladek 1957 selected Cornell’s 2020-21 Ellen Whale January 29, 2021 Cedar Rapids, IA Samantha Weber Formanek ‘08 and Kyle of Senior Female Athlete of the Year. Edward Saathoff 1960 LeMars, IA, a son, Levi Michael, March Bryce Cox ‘16 earned both the people’s January 21, 2021 Marion, IA 8, 2021. choice and the judges choice 1st place Kierstyn Borg Mickelson ‘06 and Kent of awards at Mount Vernon’s 2021 Chalk Shirley Woods Simmons 1962 Ankeny, IA, a daughter Georgia the Walk event for his art depicting April 12, 2021 Monticello, IA Claire, March 10, 2021, some of his students. Bryce is an Ann Yeisley Becker 1970 Shannon Carter Currie ‘01 and Weston of elementary teacher. He will be invited April 5, 2021 Norton, KA Burbank, CA, a daughter, Ginger back as the featured artist for the Chalk Michael ‘Mike’ Reid 1971 Rose, Jan 13, 2021. the Walk 2022 event. Feb 14, 2021 Marion, IA Luke Staskal ‘00 and Nicole of Hampton, Mary Thomsen ‘75 retired from Mount Joylyn Harken McCain 1988 NH, a daughter, Olivia, April 8, 2021 Vernon Bank & Trust at the end of February 27, 2021 Phoenix, AZ Chris Schonhorst ‘00 and Tiffany Yeisley March 2021, ending 42 years in their of Cedar Rapids, twins, Remington bookkeeping department. - FRIENDS - William and Olivia Ann, Feb 22, Sonia Essex Redmond ‘82 was recently Joe Cullen, former Elementary Principal 2021. promoted to vice president at Mount February 13, 2021 , Mount Vernon, IA Vernon Bank & Trust along with added WEDDINGS/ENGAGEMENTS trust administration duties. (Please excuse us if your classmate or loved one Ryan Winder ‘08 to Naomi Engelken Michael Langer ‘85 of Warrenton, VA, was is not listed here for their recent death, but let us know for on May 29, 2021. The couple reside legally adopted by his step-father Jerry inclusion in the next newsletter.) in Mount Vernon Vernon. Meskimen in Iowa’s Linn Country District Court on Dec. 18th 2020. Jerry raised EDUCATION Michael from the time he was 8 years & MILITARY SERVICE old. Karissa Whitman Walker ‘08, Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Missouri to become a Pediatric YOU WILL BE AMAZED AT THE CHANGES MADE TO Nurse Practitioner. She is currently a BUILDINGS IN THE MV SCHOOL DISTRICT.... resident of North Liberty, and works at You are invited to tour all of the school buildings, Stead Family Children’s Hospital in the including the new Performing Arts Center Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Ryan Winder ‘08, MSN from Walden and the Lester Buresh Recreation Center University in May, 2020. Ryan is now on Friday, June 9 from 10 am to 2 pm, a Nurse Practitioner for MercyCare and on Saturday morning from 8 am to 10 am. Cedar Rapids in the Urgent Care Pick up a map at any entrance from the host Jennifer Bern-Vogel ‘75, received an for a self-guided tour. honorary doctorate from the Hebrew Union College - Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music in New York in May 2020 after 25 years as a Cantor in New York, Virginia and California. Hall of Fame & Homecoming Jennifer is currently in her 12th year of serving as the Cantor of Congregation Emanu El in Redlands, CA and is a OCTOBER 8 hospice chaplain in Los Angeles. Make plans now to attend Homecoming and the Alumni Hall of Fame Ceremony this fall on October 8th. AND MORE... Carol Dolezal ’81 has taken a position with We will celebrate both the 2020 and 2021 Hall of Fame Hope Hospice in Dublin, California recipients at a Friday morning public event and as a Spiritual Care Counselor. She continues her Creative Carol Celebrant reception, along with the traditional Homecoming game Services where she officiates services and Marching Band performance on Friday night. for life’s milestones such as weddingsPHOTO MVL SUN 2021 Hall of Fame recipients will be announced in July. and memorials. www.MVAlumni.org

Thank you to everyone who volunteers to help at Alumni Association events -- they couldn’t happen 50 without you!!!

CLASS OF 1961 CHECKING IN...

The Class of 1967 held their bi-monthly lunch at Whiteys in Lisbon on May 10, 2021. In attendance were Pam Pitlik Byersdorfer & husband, Bob, Barb Clark Oakland, Sandi Erenberger Hanna, Gail Brown, Mary Krejci Burr, Joe Connor, Doug Randall, Gary Vitor, Ron Swanson, Jane Baker Hardin, Ken Neal, and Karen Tesar Rios. Some people had not seen each other since graduation. Organized by Sandi Hanna. THANK YOU SCOTT WHITE! The Class of 1967 has had two ZOOM Get-ToGethers in 2021. About 15 class ...for repairing and refinishing the members have been in attendance at each meeting. Barb Clark Oakland has podium given to the school by the spearheaded both meetings. Jane Baker Hardin moderated the last meeting on April class of 1946. Scott, who retired from 16, 2021. The next ZOOM meeting is scheduled for June 18, 2021 @ 11 am. teaching at MVCSD, lives in Monticello. If you would like to be a part of this meeting, contact Barb Clark Oakland at Scott can be reached at [email protected]. [email protected]. CLASS OF 1961 1970 - 50+1 years 60TH REUNION REUNION Heritage Days Weekend 2021 Friday night July 9, 6-9 p.m., meet and greet at “The Local”, lower Friday, July 9 - Ladie’s Only Outing level, 103 1st St. NW, Mount Vernon. A fun new place on Main Friday, July 9 - 5 pm Informal cocktails on the bridge at Sutliff , evening Street! Dan Stoner pulled some strings and got them to reserve fireworks show at the Country Club the lower level for us. They run Glyn Mawr Winery and have Saturday, July 10 8-10 am Alumni-Community breakfast at the High good beer. We’ll bring in pizza. School, followed by the parade at 11 am Saturday morning, July 10. Meet at the Alumni Breakfast at 9:00 Saturday, July 10 5 pm, Class Reunion banquet, Sally’s Restaurant a.m. (At the current high school, which is the SECOND building in Springville after the one we attended!) Donation. After breakfast, we’ll ride Sunday, July 11 Noon BBQ, Jim and Melani Vislisel’s farm in the Heritage Days parade on a trailer provided by Dan. Wear On Friday Bunny (Williams) Mulligan is trying to organize a “Ladies Only” shades and try to look like a geriatric hippie. get together in the late afternoon in Mount Vernon. Classmates and friends Saturday evening, 6-10 p.m. At “Mount Vernon Creates,” a venue of classmates should contact Bunny at 319-361-9562 for more information. and art gallery at 121 1st St. NW. Food will be heavy hors The Sunday BBQ and picnic will start at 12:00 noon and has been moved d’oeuvres. Beer, wine, soft drinks. Some sort of program. Remi- to Jim and Melani Vislisel’s farm off Highway 30 west opposite the Upper nisce. Pal. Contact: Dick Miner Contact: Bunny Williams Copeland Contact: Chris Swiser Contact: Dan Stoner Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 319-360-0741 Phone: 319-360-6634 Phone: 775-833-2747 Phone: 319-377-7644 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

VOLUME 17 ISSUE 1 SPRING/SUMMER 2021 page 15 CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS Volunteer to help the Association on Saturday, July 10 from 8 - 9 am or 9-10 am in YOUR the kitchen at the high school for our breakfast, or as a two-hour host any time from 11:30 am to 8 pm. In addition, Heritage Days needs volunteers for set-up on Saturday FOUNDATION morning the10th from 8 am to 10 am, and Friday the 9th from 6 pm to 8 pm. Contact Kathy at [email protected] or text/call 319-389-8602. DONATIONS WORK THROUGH THE CORRECTIONS TEACHER GRANTS Our apologies to the following alumni and friends who were missing from the last issue’s 2020 Alumni Donation report: PROGRAM DUES/SUPPORT 2020 support, Ruth Farris '53, Eatonton, GA 2020 support, Linda Peterson Nost ‘63, Lisbon IA Every year the Foundation provides grants for 5 year support, Barb Sutliff Hansel '55 Cedar Rapids IA district faculty and staff to fund projects that 5 year support, Larry Kramer ‘58, Marion, IA are innovative and promote a higher level of 5 year support, John Rife ‘60, Mount Vernon, IA educational excellence for Mount Vernon 5 year support, Sarah Rife Patten ‘93, Mount Vernon, IA students. Your generous support of the 5 year support, Abigail Patten ‘19, Mount Vernon, IA Foundation helps to make these projects a DONATIONS reality. Thank you for continuing to support our donation, Linda Peterson Nost ’63, in memory of JoAnn Kroul Clark '64 Mount Vernon students! donation, John Rife '60 and Thelma Rife, Mount Vernon, IA CORRECTION: Apologies to Keean Kamerling whose name was misspelled in the last issue. $12,000 awarded to 13 projects during the 2020-2021 school year:

• Teacher: Erica Nichols, High School Spanish Novelettes to expand the classroom libraries THANK YOU ADVERTISERS! in World Language classes. Please support and thank the following publication advertisers: • Teacher: Alaina Appley, High School Science Materials for mini-indoor greenhouse • Teacher: LeAnn Briesemeister, First Grade CLASSROOM CASH Ability Physical Therapy Coding and robotic kits to enhance STEM Mt. Vernon Schools activities Envisage Photography you’ve earned $52,920 • Teachers: Tom Wilkinson & Tom Stephens, Gary’s Foods High School KOPPENHAVER & Alternative seating for deskless classrooms ASSOCIATES, PC Hills Bank & Trust Co • Teacher: Ryan Whitman, High School Physical Earn more, at no cost to you: Education Iowa Physical Therapy hillsbank.com/classroomcash Heart rate monitors and software Certified Public Koppenhaver & Associates • Teacher: Whitney Turner, Middle School Accountants Special Education 204 Glenn Street SE, Suite 1 K Mount Vernon Bank & Trust Mount Vernon, IA 52314 Annual subscription to Unique Learning (319) 895-6001 Visit us on the web at www.koppenhavercpas.com Richardson-Hanson Agency H H H H H H H H H H Systems curriculum Ann Koppenhaver, CPA • Teachers: Reading Intervention team grades Class of ‘78 Mount Vernon Community School and Hotz Agency 5-12 District Foundation President Magnetic letter boards for hand-on phonics • ORthOpaedic & SpORt injuRieS instruction • WORk injuRy • pOSt-SuRgical Rehab • Teacher: Jessica Murphy, Seventh Grade H H H H Books for WWII unit Michael Reiling PT, MS, ATC, CSCS Licensed Physical Therapist Licensed Certified Athletic Trainer • Teacher: Laura Irvin, Elementary Special Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Same day appointments available 319-895-8655 Education 300 Virgil Avenue, Mount Vernon, IA 52314 Colored printing of curriculum pages We offer a range of physical therapy services to help you get better and feel stronger. H H H H H H H H H H • Teachers: Middle and High School Music Dr. WeRichard specialize Skotowski in orthopedic andinjuries, Dr. preventing Steven and Sindt treating sports injuries and rehabilitation for workers compensation202 Glenn clients. Street We in also Mount work extensively Vernon 50 new music stands with older patients319-895-8888 and have helped many in our community regain skills and abilities. • Teacher: JoAnn Gage, High School English On the staff are MV alums Jeremy Elliott’89 and Stephanie Legore Meier’00 Books for English 1 Mount Vernon-Lisbon Clinic • Teacher: Bonnie Ahrens, High School 108 1st St. SE Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314 319-895-4085 Visual Art Pedestals to display 3D student artwork in new Performing Arts Center Richardson-Hanson & Hotz Insurance Agencies • Teacher: Michelle Boyden, District Agents, licensed in all lines of insurance, provide you the opportunity to have one agency working Instructional Specialist with you to create a sound insurance program. Serving alums across the midwest. Social studies books for each K-3rd 319-895-8633 306 Hwy 1 SE Mount Vernon JEREMY HOTZ ‘99, Agent [email protected] teacher 45 SPENCER DRAHOS ‘14, Agent [email protected] F O U N D A T I O N ANNUAL GIFT REPORT FOR 2020 Thank you to the alumni, businesses, parents and friends listed below who contributed to the Foundation during 2020. The Mount Vernon Community School District Foundation is a charitable non-profit organization that partners with alumni, businesses, parents, and friends of the Mount Vernon community to support a higher level of educational excellence 2020 and opportunities to prepare Mount Vernon School students for the challenges of global opportunities. 2020 The Foundation receives tax-deductible contributions to support the programs of the Mount Vernon Community School District. GIFT RECOGNITION LEVELS Major Gifts $15,000+ Founding Donors $10,000+ Leading Donors $5,000+ Mustang Donors $1,000+ Maroon and White Donors up to $1,000

Jane Hardin ‘67 Mike’73 & Katherine ‘80 Rice GENERAL FUND DONORS in memory of Barbara Baker Jerry Ringer ‘55 and Michael V. Baker Dave ‘85 & Heidi Ryan Jan Pospisil ‘68 Michael & Shirley Ryan BUSINESS INDIVIDUAL in memory of Steven Edwards ‘65 in honor of David ‘85 & Russ ‘90 Ryan DONATIONS DONATIONS Lois Harms Richard Sanderson ‘48 Thank you to the following area busi- Gary & Shirley ‘56 Heiserman Mark ‘74 & Kris Sargent nesses who donate throughout the Leading Donor in memory of Doris Pospisil Andy & Kacey Kuntz ‘00 Schmit year and who also responded to our Mary Bowman Seidler ‘57 Gollobit ‘58 Roger ‘56 & Marilyn Dean ‘58 Schnittjer annual business campaign. Jane Hill Rebecca Showalter Mustang Donors Jase Jensen in honor of Ellen Klinsky Jones ‘51, Leading Donor Beth Hufford ‘84 Robert & Kay Jilovec ‘55 Lind Allison, Emily ‘28, and Abbie ‘30 Schnoor Bowker Mechanical Contractors Dr. Gary ‘65 and Gail Knutsen in memory of Mildred and Joseph Eric Siggins ‘82 Jilovec Marie Sippola ‘59 Mustang Donors Maroon & White Donors Marilyn Jones in memory of Irene ‘Susie’ Tuetken ‘59 Gary’s Foods Clifford & Susan Albright ‘53 Kehrli Darrell ‘61 & Donna Jordan Bertram Sippola ‘56 in memory of Gary Dietrich in memory of Ann Goodyear in memory of Dave Studt ‘61 Matthew Slinker ‘90 Hills Bank & Trust Company Anonymous Richard Kohl Craig and Jean Smith Hills Bank & Trust Company Dr. Michael ‘62 & Susan Biderman Ann Koppenhaver ‘78 Mike ‘68 & Valerie Smith Classroom Cash Program in memory of Gladys Rife John ‘77 & Kaylene Kroul Colin & Mary Squiers Mount Vernon Bank & Trust Co. Jared & Caitlin Wieseler ‘04 Bienemann in memory of Keith Jilovec ‘54 David ‘68 & Jo Ann Thomson ‘70 Stoner William ‘57 & Myrt Clark ‘57 Bowers Diana Kafer LaVoi ‘64 David ‘68 & Jo Ann Thomson ‘70 Stoner Maroon & White Donors Ben ‘05 & Brittany Corkin ‘04 Brannaman in memory of Class of ‘64 in memory of Sondra Mounce Budget Blinds George ‘53 & Paula Brown deceased Tawnua Tenley Bridge Bank in honor of Becky Livermore ‘88 Theodore & Christine Lawler Debbie Thorman ‘74 Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort Susan Brust Todd Lehr ‘88 in memory of Debi Clark Bridgewater ‘76 Downtown Dental, Dr. Dawn Gaffney Benton Campbell Robert ‘58 & Linda Lenz Justen & Kim Zangger ‘94 Tucker Fordyce Painting David & Barbara Jo ‘56 Conn Sandra Lighthall Douglas Van Metre Howes Law Firm Tandi Dausener in memory of Bill Lighthall ‘66 in honor of David Van Metre ‘55 Iowa Physical Therapy Jannes DeCamp Joyce Loomis David & Sandy Vislisel ‘80 Ruhs Jase Jensen in memory of Howard DeCamp ‘51 in memory of Kathleen Woods Robert Wagner ‘82 Lynch Ford Chevrolet Hal & Sharon Dendurent Pitlik ‘47 Paul & Deborah Weber Mount Vernon Ace Hardware Steve & Marie DeVries Patty Lynch in honor of Leo & Elsa Appleton Mount Vernon Bank and Trust Dennis & Janet Dietrich in memory of Margaret and James Bernie & Phyllis White Company in memory of Gary Dietrich Lynch Kevin ‘76 & Becky Thumm ‘77 Whitman in memory of Otto Schellberg Jeremy ‘89 & Carrie Elliott Janice K. Majors ‘57 in memory of Jo Wilch Mount Vernon Insurance in memory of Dave Spellerberg ‘89 in memory of Royce Majors ‘89 and Randy Rundle ‘74 Mount Vernon Investment Center Richard & Carolyn Enns Janet McCannon ‘55 Ryan ‘03 & Tasha Whitman Neal’s Water Conditioning David Enns ‘56 Denae McGrath Matthew Wilch ‘72 in memory of David Neal ‘60 in honor of the Class of 1956 Richard & Kathleen McKeen Jenna Wischmeyer ‘91 One Mission Tasha Erickson Marsha Siggins McWhinney ‘70 Vincent Wolrab ‘57 Pepsico Ed Fordyce ‘59 in memory of Donald Brackett in memory of Mary Ellison Wolrab ‘33 RTE Properties James & Nancy Emrich Freeman Siggins and Joan Rhoads Laura Werkman ‘68 Si Senor in honor of Fred Burke Siggins ‘45 Bill Yeisley ‘52 Paul Fugate ‘09 Allan ‘63 & Nancy Miner in memory of Jack & Hildred Yeisley CORPORATE MATCHES Rosalie Gallagher ‘63 Gary & Mary Livingston ‘70 Moorman Steve & Mary Young Gerald & Penny Gerber in memory of Jon Thomas Rae Zahradnik Mustang Donors Myra Croft Greve ‘58 Livingston Robert & Kimberly Zimmerman Raytheon in honor of Jim Kent ‘50 and Carol Croft Clint & Gale Mote for Beth Hufford ‘84 Kent ‘51, in memory of Dr James Croft Nancy Pisarik Mulder ‘59 IN MEMORY OF JAMES BELLAMY United Way of Johnson & Washington ‘47 and Diana Pringle Croft ‘46 Joel Pendergrass Jason ‘90 & Brittany ‘90 Booth Counties for Jared Bienemann Sandi Erenberger Hanna ‘67 Scott Peterson ‘71 Charles Halsey in memory of Lyle Hanna ‘64 Tom & Susan Pitlik Randall Krejci Maroon & White Donors and Aaron Hanna ‘99 Linda Pitlik ‘75 Kevin ‘76 & Becky Thumm ‘77 Whitman Wells Fargo for anonymous Barb Hansel ‘55 George Pospisil ‘59 Wells Fargo for Dawn Hanna Nancy Tonne Hansen ‘67 in memory of Doris Pospisil Wells Fargo for Holly Chappell in memory of Jean Minish Stoner ‘37 Gollobit ‘58 and Warren Stoner ‘63 John ‘66 & Cindy Pospisil F O U N D A T I O N IN MEMORY OF JOANN KROUL FINE ARTS KIDS IN NEED PROGRAM BOYS BASKETBALL CLARK ‘64 Mustang Donor Mustang Donors Mustang Donors Sheila Borg Darrell ‘61 & Donna Jordan Anonymous Ed & Stephanie Timm Janice K. Majors ‘57 Craig Palmer ‘71 Dick & Deb George Mount Vernon Bank in memory of Carolyn Neal Palmer ‘42 Barbara Moore Maroon & White Donors Ray ‘64 & Ann Stoner US Bank Home Mortgage Kevin ‘76 & Becky Thumm ‘77 Whitman Maroon & White Donors Maroon & White Donors James Erickson Alliant Energy Foundation Mount Vernon Bank & Trust Co. IN MEMORY OF JIM GUNN ‘46 for Jenna Wiebel Wischmeyer ‘91 in memory of Larry Elbert SOFTBALL William ‘57 & Myrt ‘57 Bowers Ben ‘05 & Brittany ‘04 Brannaman Suzette Kragenbrink John ‘60 & Thelma Rife Ed Fordyce ‘59 John ‘60 & Thelma Rife Andrew Wolfe ‘78 Joyce Loomis Duane ’93 & Leigh Jordan Ed & Barbara Bjork CAY POST PROM Larry Petrick ‘62 Allison Nissen Chris & Jane Suchomel ‘71 Carlson Loren & Jennifer Hoffman Julie Gunn Thomas ‘70 Nathan & Meridith Voight Lion’s Club Ben ‘05 & Brittany ‘04 Brannaman Jenna Wiebel Wischmeyer 199 Matthew & Ellen Mueller IN MEMORY OF JINDA COLEHOUR One Mission Fundraising Darrin & JoAnn Gage SOCIAL JUSTICE CLUB OHMAN ‘65 Joel Pendergrass Dean Borg Mount Vernon Bank & Trust Co. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION The Greater CR Comm Foundation Ryan Decker Karen Edwards Packer ‘68 Richard Glattly 1959 Craig & Jean Smith Family Jennifer Erger David ‘68 & Jo Ann Thomson ‘70 Stoner Michael & Katherine Harris IN MEMORY OF CAROLYN PALMER ‘42 CLASS OF 1968 MEMORIAL FUND Gayle Keiser Winston Addis Michael & Karen Edwards ‘68 Packer BAND INSTRUMENTS Milo & Monica Miles David ‘68 & JoAnn ‘70 Stoner in memory of Dr. Richard & Lillian Major Gift Andrew & Shannon Powers Edwards Dave Van Metre ‘55 Cory & Kerry Speth IN MEMORY OF MARVIN WIESELER Class of 1968 Jordan & Tiffany Schier MV Investment Center in memory of Class of 1968 HS BAND Thomas Viner Dr. Larry & Judy Poduska Roxanna Onstott ‘68 John ‘60 & Thelma Rife Jerry & Anne ‘68 Rehfuss David ‘68 & Jo Ann ‘70 Stoner MVMS PTO Jeri ‘66 & Barb Thomsen ‘68 Neal Alliant Energy in memory of Lona Sterenberg HS ORCHESTRA for Douglas Kopp RESTRICTED Bremer ‘68 John ‘60 & Thelma Rife Douglas and Diane Kopp Michael & Karen Edwards ‘68 Packer Paul ‘90 & Jennifer Morf DONATIONS in memory of Lona Sterenberg HS CHORAL PROGRAM Lezli Luneckas-Broomhall Bremer ‘68 John ‘60 & Thelma Rife Jamie Luneckas BOOSTER CLUB Stephanie Whisner Mustang Donors CORONAVIRUS-19 HS ROBOTICS Monica Chapman Paul ‘90 & Jennifer Morf MITIGATION EFFORTS Leading Donor Jessica Johanningmeier Leading Donor Bowker Mechanical Contractors Kim Tucker ‘94 Maroon & White Donors Bridge Bank Kayla Billingsley Alliant Energy Foundation HS CARE CLUB Darin Luneckas for Jenna Wiebel Wischmeyer ‘91 Mustang Donor Paul ‘90 & Jennifer Morf Rachel Krug Ben ‘05 & Brittany Corkin ‘04 Brannaman Koppenhaver & Associates, PC Kristen Robinson ‘02 Darrell ‘61 & Donna Jordan HS SCIENCE OLYMPIAD Brittney Palmer Andy & Kacey Kuntz ‘00 Schmit Maroon & White Donors Hair Peace Salon, Kim Benesh ‘85 Ami Leonard Duane ’93 & Leigh Jordan Steve & Mary Young R Dewulf Loren & Jennifer Hoffman Amy Weber Mount Vernon Eye Clinic Brooke Logue Scott Peterson ‘71 SCHOOL LUNCH NEGATIVE Amanda Latta Jenna Wiebel Wischmeyer ‘91 BALANCES HS SPEED & AGILITY PROGRAM Shirley Amthauer Mustang Donor Eric & LeAnn Briesemeister Kimberly Marshall IN MEMORY OF SONDRA MOUNCE Budget Blinds Serving Eastern Iowa Ruth Clark CHEERLEADING MV MIDDLE SCHOOL Hills Bank SCHOOL NURSE PROGRAM John ‘60 & Thelma Rife Mustang Donors Mount Vernon Bank Kim Chickering Luneckas Law Firm Bill & Kay Riffey HS BOYS BASEBALL and NETTING Marsha Siggins McWhinney ‘70 DISTRICT ONLINE LEARNING Mustang Donor MS BANDS Tanner & Kimberly Chickering Neals Water Conditioning Service John ‘60 & Thelma Rife IN MEMORY OF JOHN MCVAY David ‘68 & Jo Ann Geoffrey & Patricia Barrance ACTIVITIES LIVE STREAM Maroon & White Donors Thomson ‘70 Stoner Richard & Sarah Knight EQUIPMENT Ryan & Nicole Rentschler James Stickley Mustang Donor Randy Kray MS CHORAL PROGRAM Plenny J Bates Downtown Dental Jacob ‘07 & Alexis Ryan John ‘60 & Thelma Rife Collins Community Credit Union Trey Ryan ‘14 Maroon & White Donors Paul Ryan ‘19 Rick & Trude Elliott, Dance Arts Iowa Henry Ryan ‘23 IN HONOR OF MUSTANG VISION continued on next page Rick & Trude Elliott Mikey Ryan ‘26 Ruth Clark Shea & Emily Ryan ‘09 Stamp Hands in Harmony David ‘85 & Heidi Ryan Rick & Trudy Elliott Fred Burke F O U N D A T I O N

WETAP Margaret Garry 1979 Memorial MJ Dolan Mustang Donors SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarship Ed Fordyce ‘59 Paul ‘90 & Jennifer Morf Thank you to the following businesses Margaret Garry Memorial Trust David & Julie Freed Melchert Book Scholarship John Gonner Maroon & White Donors and individuals who donated to fund scholarships for our 2019 graduating Amber Melchert ‘09 Cot, Kay, David ‘80, and Jack ‘82 Graber Alliant Energy Foundation seniors. Allison Melchert ‘10 Lindsey Granzow for Douglas Kopp Morgan Melchert ‘15 Chuck & Barbara Grassley Brenda Bany Adrienne Smith 2011 Scholarship MVL Dev Group Scholarship Janet Griffith Jason and Melissa Cullum Greater CR Comm Foundation MV Lisbon Comm Charitable Dev Group Kevin & Cynthia Deskin ‘78 Halbmaier Katlyn Henik Alternative Education Scholarships Mount Vernon Bank & Trust Company Charles Halsey Jessica Johanningmeier Anonymous Scholarship Carolyn Haupert Jaclyn Klimek Ann Koppenhaver 1978 Business Award Mount Vernon Bank & Trust Co. James & Jennifer Helms Douglas and Diane Kopp Koppenhaver & Associates Mount Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Edward & Sharon Hill Rachel Krug Charles H Halsey Gift Scholarships Hills Bank Kyle ‘02 and Taryn Kuntz Charles Halsey Mount Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Scot & Adrienne Johnson Allison Nissen Paul Feuss Association Darrell & Donna Jordan, Andy & Kacey Kuntz ‘00 Schmit Donna Jacob, Gladys Rife, Ruth Michaud Teaching Creativity Scholarship Cathy & Ralph ‘72 Erika Uthe and Maggie Quinn Ellison 1962 Award Laurie Zaiger Mark ‘73 & Peggy Kerr Jim ‘65 & Nancy Rife US Nameplate Scholarship Bob & JoAnn Kintzel ELEMENTARY LIBRARY John ‘60 and Thelma Rife US Nameplate Ann Koppenhaver ‘78 Ingleside Club Carol Van Metre Scholarship Dean Borg Scholarship Don & Margaret Koppenhaver Kyle ‘02 and Taryn Kuntz David Van Metre 1955 Rich & Rachel Aalbers Linda Koss Duane ’93 & Leigh Jordan Evans-Moffit Scholarship Winston Addis Mike & Suzette Kragenbrink for Mo Willems books Jim & Mary Evans 1967 American Legion Auxiliary Kenneth & Arlene Lee Faculty Scholarships Anonymous Raymond & Janet Leeper ELEMENTARY PLAYGROUND John & Jaye Behrends Fred & Marion Lehman Major Gift MVCSD staff Girls STEM and Physics College Scholar- Gail Bertram ‘94 Joyce Loomis WETAP ship Guy & Ann Booth Barbara Moore ‘53 Terry Boren ‘77 Darrel & Mildred Morf Maroon & White Donors The Maurice Foundation Heritage Days Volunteerism Award & Carol Woods-Boren ‘75 Doug & Mary ‘80 Morningstar Kyle ‘02 and Taryn Kuntz Mount Vernon Heritage Days Sheila Borg Mount Vernon Bank and Trust Co. Hills Bank Scholarship Lindsey Borg ‘83 Lauren Oliphant ‘05 ELEMENTARY 2ND GRADE Hills Bank Earnest & Joanne Buresh William & Charla Osborne Alliant Energy Foundation Inspiration Award Lenny & Connie Burkart Katherine Ostrander for Douglas Kopp Anonymous Katharine Carter Sue Otto ‘50 Douglas and Diane Kopp Kay Woods Scholarship Caterpillar Match James Helms Bob Penn ‘81 Mike ‘77 & Joleen Woods Keith ‘60 & Jo Ann ‘64 Clark Judith Penn ‘60 ELEMENTARY 5TH GRADE Terry Boren ‘77 & Carol Woods-Boren ‘75 Barbara Colehour Margaret Quayle Alliant Energy Foundation Kevin Woods ‘73 Mitch ‘83 & Diana Corcoran Jon & Joan Rasmussen for Douglas Kopp Mary Nugent Woods Betty Coulthard Raytheon Company Douglas and Diane Kopp Lucas Casper & Sarah Woods ‘95 Jay & Ann ‘77 Currie for Lindsey Borg ‘83 Tim ‘72 & Vickie ‘74 Reynolds John ‘60 & Thelma Rife 50 2020 DISTRICT EMPLOYEE DONATIONS Rich & Helen Rockrohr Richard & Kate Rose Employee donations support the Foundation’s Teacher Grants Program. David & Donna Rotsschafer Kaimee Akers Julie Dye Patty Mote Toni Stanbro Wiesenhofer Brad Russell Lisa Alger Leigh Ann Erickson Kevin Murray Kate Stanton Dave ‘85 & Heidi Ryan Heather Allen Sarah Fitzgerald Chris Noll Kathy Staskal Roger ‘56 & Marilyn Schnittjer Kristin Anderson JoAnn Gage Jo Nowak-Thompson Kim Steele Lance ‘83 & Sue Schoff Alaina Appley Lisa Greif Abby Ohlaug Kelsey Strope Randy & Lori Scott Greg Batenhorst Dennis Gross Stephanie Olney Sonya Sullivan ‘90 Alan & Barbara Shepley Mallory Beatty Megan Hach Joe Peters Ed Timm Mike ‘68 & Valerie Smith Gina Becthold Robert Hanson LeAnn Pisarik Stephanie Timm John & Sally Staley Mark Benesh ‘83 Bob Haugse Sheryl Pospisil Lauren Tittle Michael & Karen Stewart Robin Brand Annie Hawker Marcia Purington Whitney Turner ‘00 Jody Stewart ‘79 Steve Brand Susan Hoyler Michael Raso Shawn Voigt ‘86 Don & Judy Stine LeAnn Briesemeister Ericka Johnson Jodi Russell Scott Weber Jeff Thieleke Lesly Bruner Brett Karkosh Heidi Ryan Stephanie Whisner Ed & Stephanie Timm Chiara Burke ‘78 Kristi Keast Raechel Sabin Krista Whitham Erik ‘03 & Amanda Triggs Matt Burke Megan Krapfl Kacey Schmit ‘00 Vicky Wieseler Rhoda Vernon Jennifer Carstensen Tim Larson Allison Schnoor Thad Wilkins David ‘76 & Julie Vislisel Megan Casey Mary Leopold Brandy Schurbon Erin Wilkinson Tom Vorpahl Chris Chapman ‘16 Susannah Maddock Linda See Tom Wilkinson ‘86 Julie Yeoman Miranda Chapman ‘14 Susan Maurice Andy Shea Maggie Willems ‘96 David & Julie Yeoman Jenny Ciha Jan Moore Raechel Shea Deanna Winder Steve & Mary Young Susan Deibner Mollie Moses Kim Siggins Joelynn Winkler Laurie Zaiger Cara Dix Lori Moss Emily Stamp ‘09 Mary Young Frank & Gail Zlatnik SCHOLARSHIPS Thank you to the following businesses and individuals who donated to fund scholarships for our 2020 graduating seniors. 2020 Donors to the MV Adrienne Smith 2011 Scholarship Greater CR Comm Foundation Alternative Education Scholarships PERFORMING ARTS CENTER project Anonymous Ann Koppenhaver 1978 Business Award Koppenhaver & Associates Thank you to the following donors who contributed to the Performing Arts Center Charles H Halsey Gift Campaign in 2020. The new performing arts center, PAC, will serve our school Charles Halsey Paul Feuss district and the Mount Vernon community for years to come. Donna Jacob, Gladys Rife, Ruth Michaud and Maggie Quinn Ellison 1962 Award Jim ‘65 & Nancy Rife John ‘60 and Thelma Rife Carol Van Metre Scholarship David Van Metre 1955 Evans-Moffit Scholarship Jim & Mary Evans 1967 Faculty Scholarships Thank You MVCSD staff Girls STEM and Physics College Scholarship The Maurice Foundation Heritage Days Volunteerism Award Mount Vernon Heritage Days Hills Bank Scholarship Hills Bank F O U N D A T I O N Inspiration Award Anonymous EXTRAORDINARY WOMAN SCHOLARSHIP Joan Rasmussen Kay Woods Scholarship Susan Alexander in memory of Margaret E. Savage Mike ‘77 & Joleen Woods 2020 DONORS TO THE MV Terry Boren ‘77 & Carol Woods-Boren ‘75 Emily Appleton DeeAnn Rexroat Kevin Woods ‘73 Mary Lou & Greg Batenhorst Sarah Richardson Mary Nugent Woods Sara Beck in memory of in memory of Maggie Ellison PERFORMING ARTS CENTER PROJECT Lucas Casper & Sarah Woods ‘95 Carmella Gallagher & Jodie Gallagher Nancy Rife Thank you to the following donors who contributed to the Performing Arts Margaret Garry 1979 Memorial Scholarship Kim Benesh in memory of Dr. Gladys Rife Major Gift $15,000 + Margaret Garry Memorial Trust Center Campaign in 2020. The new center, PAC, will serve our school Mount Vernon Bank and Trust Company Melchert Book Scholarship Ann Booth Berta Ringold district and the Mount Vernon community for years to come. Amber Melchert ‘09 in memory of Vivian Heywood Kate Rose Major Gift $15,000 + Mount Vernon Bank and Trust Company Founding Donor $10,000 + Allison Melchert ‘10 Bonnie Bootsmiller Donna Rotschafer Hills Bank Morgan Melchert ‘15 Founding Donor $10,000 + Hills Bank MVL Dev Group Scholarship Myrt Bowers Susan Salter Leading Donor $5,000 + Jerry Ringer 1955 Susan Brust in honor of Ginna Owens MV Lisbon Comm Charitable Dev Group Mustang Donors $1000 + Leading Donor $5,000 + Mount Vernon Bank & Trust Company Scholarship Janet Budack Marilyn Schnittjer Mike & Brenda Bany Jerry Ringer 1955 Mount Vernon Bank & Trust Co. in memory of Betty Budack Nina Scott James & Julie Baty Mount Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Scholarships Jo Clark Barb Shepley David, Karen, Chris ‘16 & Lily ‘20 Cripe Mustang Donors $1000 + Mount Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association Mike & Brenda Bany Teaching Creativity Scholarship Ruth Clark in memory of Marsha Siggins McWhinney Loren & Jennifer Hoffman Adrienne Smith & Jackie Kerr in memory of Jean & Donald Siggins James & Julie Baty Laurie Zaiger Patty Lynch in memory of Margaret & James Lynch David, Karen, Chris ‘16 & Lily ‘20 Cripe US Nameplate Scholarship Thea Cole Anne Silva Babs Moore ‘53 Loren & Jennifer Hoffman US Nameplate Susan Coleman Val Smith Brian & Gail Nonnecke in honor of Kristin, Patty Lynch in memory of Margaret & James Lynch Dean Borg Scholarship in honor of Laurie Zaiger Mary Squiers Babs Moore ‘53 Rich & Rachel Aalbers Mark, Gavin ‘30, and Greta ‘32 Anderson Brian & Gail Nonnecke in honor of Kristin, Mark, Gavin ‘30, and Greta ‘32 Anderson Winston Addis Barbara Connolly Karen Stewart Dave ‘85 & Heidi Ryan in honor of DeAnn Scearce in honor of Emily & Madeline Beehn Dave ‘85 & Heidi Ryan American Legion Auxiliary Colin & Mary Squiers Colin & Mary Squiers Anonymous Karen Cripe, dedicated to women who Judy Stine VG Stoner & Sons Corp VG Stoner & Sons Corp John & Jaye Behrends teach and administrate at MVCSD in honor of Ann Booth Ed & Stephanie Timm in memory of Gene & Nelda Weih Gail Bertram ‘94 Ed & Stephanie Timm in memory of Gene & Nelda Weih Guy & Ann Booth Sue Deibner JoAnn Stoner Edie Wilch ‘71 in memory of Meredith Wilch ‘83 Edie Wilch ‘71 in memory of Meredith Wilch ‘83 Sharon Dendurent Cathy Stoner Dan Wilch ‘77in memory of Meredith Wilch ‘83 Terry Boren ‘77 & Carol Woods-Boren ‘75 Dan Wilch ‘77in memory of Meredith Wilch ‘83 Sheila Borg Marie DeVries in memory of Nancy Gale Gretchen Sutherland Lindsey Borg ‘83 Maroon & White Donors Maroon & White Donors Janet Dietrich in memory of Vivian Heywood Class of 1968 Earnest & Joanne Buresh in honor of my mom Catherine Marianne Taylor Class of 1968 Lenny & Connie Burkart Winston Addis Winston Addis Katharine Carter Carrie Elliott Stephanie Timm Matt Alles 25 In honor of Quinn ‘21, Lincoln ‘25, Matt Alles 25 In honor of Quinn ‘21, Lincoln ‘25, and Nicholas ‘25 Alles Trude Elliott in memory of Nelda Weih Caterpillar Match James Helms and Nicholas ‘25 Alles Paul & Paula Anderson in honor of Kristin Anderson, Mount Vernon Middle School Teacher Keith ‘60 & Jo Ann ‘64 Clark Carol Enns Dave Van Metre Mark & Kristin Anderson Barbara Colehour Paul & Paula Anderson in honor of Kristin Anderson, Anonymous JoAnn Gage in memory of Carol Van Metre Mount Vernon Middle School Teacher Mitch ‘83 & Diana Corcoran Dan & Denise ‘81 Brannaman Betty Coulthard Deb George Judy Vopava Mark & Kristin Anderson Becky Corbett, Marcia Wagner ‘68, Chip Swaney ‘72, Steve Swaney ‘76 Kay Graber Amy Weber in honor of Jay & Ann ‘77 Currie Anonymous in memory of Marion Newman “Aunt Monie” MJ Dolan Michele Grudzinski Samantha Formanek who served elementary school lunch in the 60’s and 70’s Ed Fordyce ‘59 Dan & Denise ‘81 Brannaman Joe Corkin ‘99 Nannette Gunn & Kylea Brautigam Becky Corbett, Marcia Wagner ‘68, Chip Swaney ‘72, David & Julie Freed Christine Hallier Carolyn Wellso Lance & Sarah Dickson John Gonner Steve Swaney ‘76 in memory of Marion Newman “Aunt Monie” Sandy Zehms Guenther ‘88 Cot, Kay, David ‘80, and Jack ‘82 Graber Donna Happel Laura Werkman Joe Corkin ‘99 Kevin & Cynthia Deskin ‘78 Halbmaier in memory of Bill and Ruth Deskin Diane Harrington Stephanie West Lindsey Granzow Lance & Sarah Dickson Jodi Hoke ‘00 Chuck & Barbara Grassley Debra Herrmann in memory of Roberta Parish Darrell & Donna Jordan Janet Griffith Sandy Zehms Guenther ‘88 Benjamin Klaus ‘07 in memory of Megan Cox Klaus ‘08 Jen Hoffman Amy White Kevin & Cynthia Deskin ‘78 Halbmaier Kevin & Cynthia Deskin ‘78 Halbmaier Ann Hufford in memory of Alice Loope Roger & Erin Koehn Charles Halsey in memory of Bill and Ruth Deskin Marsha McWhinney ‘70 Carolyn Haupert Amy Jackson Becky Whitman Jodi Hoke ‘00 Mount Vernon Masonic Lodge #112 Kay Johansen Vicky Wieseler James & Jennifer Helms Darrell & Donna Jordan Michael & Karen Edwards ‘68 Packer in memory of Dr. Richard and Lillian Edwards Edward & Sharon Hill Ann Koppenhaver Maggie Willems Diane Peterka Hills Bank Benjamin Klaus ‘07 in memory of Megan Cox Klaus ‘08 Mike ‘99, Jill, Jada’28, & William ‘30 Ripke Elizabeth Kroul Jenna Wischmeyer Roger & Erin Koehn Scot & Adrienne Johnson Dennis & Elise Rodenberg Darrell & Donna Jordan, Cathy & Ralph ‘72 Coralie Liberko Anissa Wolfe Marsha McWhinney ‘70 Lance & Sue Schoff Joyce Loomis Mary Young Mark ‘73 & Peggy Kerr Mount Vernon Masonic Lodge #112 Rick, Kim, Payton ‘19 & Jesse ‘23 Schwiebert Bob & JoAnn Kintzel in honor of Stephanie Frantz Laurie Zaiger Mike ‘67 & Jackie Seiler Ann Koppenhaver ‘78 Michael & Karen Edwards ‘68 Packer Dennis A Steele ‘65 in memory of C Bruce Steele ‘68 Jan Lorne Majors Michelle Zaruba in memory of Dr. Richard and Lillian Edwards Don & Margaret Koppenhaver in memory of Shirley Lorne DuRos EXCEPTIONAL MAN SCHOLARSHIP Tom & Katie Stephens in honor of Luke ‘24 and Anna ‘27 Stephens Linda Koss Diane Peterka Don & Judy Stine Mike & Suzette Kragenbrink Tracey Louwagie Abbe Creek Ag Mike ‘99, Jill, Jada’28, & William ‘30 Ripke Marilyn J Svestka Sue Margheim Jeremy Elliott ‘89 Kenneth & Arlene Lee Dennis & Elise Rodenberg Target CW on behalf of Jill Ripke Raymond & Janet Leeper in memory of Adrienne Smith Darrin Gage Justen & Kimberly ‘94 Tucker Fred & Marion Lehman Lance & Sue Schoff Nathan & Meredith Voight Nyla McCall John Hale Rick, Kim, Payton ‘19 & Jesse ‘23 Schwiebert Joyce Loomis in memory of Bethany Vance Light Mark Weldon Barbara Moore ‘53 Mike ‘67 & Jackie Seiler Wiladene Hoggard Willming ‘50 in honor of Millicent Hoggard Zehishek ‘47 Darrel & Mildred Morf & Howard Rinehart Mike Kragenbrink Dennis A Steele ‘65 in memory of C Bruce Steele ‘68 Evan Yeats ‘02 Mary Jane McWilliams Kevin Murran Doug & Mary ‘80 Morningstar Tom & Katie Stephens in honor of Luke ‘24 and Anna ‘27 Stephens Mount Vernon Bank and Trust Company in memory of Mary Jo Lessmeier Joe & Beth Peters Don & Judy Stine Lauren Oliphant ‘05 Ruth Miller Jon & Joan Rasmussen Marilyn J Svestka William & Charla Osborne Denise Murphy in memory of Dean Borg Katherine Ostrander Target CW on behalf of Jill Ripke Sue Otto ‘50 in memory of Arvilla Henyan David Roe Justen & Kimberly ‘94 Tucker Sherene Player Dave ‘85 Ryan Bob Penn ‘81 Nathan & Meredith Voight Judith Penn ‘60 Jane Pospisil Dan ‘70 Stoner Mark Weldon Margaret Quayle in memory of Jeanette Colehour Tawnua Tenley Wiladene Hoggard Willming ‘50 in honor Jon & Joan Rasmussen Cindy Pospisil Ed & Stephanie Timm of Millicent Hoggard Zehishek ‘47 Catherine Quehl-Engel Scott Weber Evan Yeats ‘02 Steve & Mary Young F O U N D A T I O N ANNUAL GIFT REPORT FOR 2020 Thank you to the alumni, businesses, parents and friends listed below who contributed to the Foundation during 2020. The Mount Vernon Community School District Foundation is a charitable non-profit organization that partners with alumni, businesses, parents, and friends of the Mount Vernon community to support a higher level of educational excellence and opportunities to prepare Mount Vernon School students for the challenges of global opportunities. 2020 The Foundation receives tax-deductible contributions to support the programs of the Mount Vernon Community School District. 2020 GIFT RECOGNITION LEVELS Major Gifts $15,000+ Founding Donors $10,000+ Leading Donors $5,000+ Mustang Donors $1,000+ Maroon and White Donors up to $1,000

CORPORATE MATCHES in memory of Kathleen Woods Pitlik ‘47 IN MEMORY OF CAROLYN PALMER ‘42 GENERAL FUND Patty Lynch Winston Addis Mustang Donors in memory of Margaret and James Lynch David ‘68 & JoAnn ‘70 Stoner Raytheon Janice K. Majors ‘57 BUSINESS DONATIONS for Beth Hufford ‘84 in memory of Royce Majors ‘89 IN MEMORY OF MARVIN WIESELER Thank you to the following area businesses United Way of Johnson & Washington Janet McCannon ‘55 MV Investment Center who donate throughout the year and who Counties for Jared Bienemann Denae McGrath Dr. Larry & Judy Poduska also responded to our annual business Richard & Kathleen McKeen campaign. Maroon & White Donors Marsha Siggins McWhinney ‘70 Wells Fargo in memory of Donald Brackett Siggins Leading Donor for anonymous and Joan Rhoads Siggins ‘45 Bowker Mechanical Contractors Wells Fargo Allan ‘63 & Nancy Miner RESTRICTED for Dawn Hanna Gary & Mary Livingston ‘70 Moorman Mustang Donors Wells Fargo in memory of Jon Thomas Livingston DONATIONS Gary’s Foods for Holly Chappell Clint & Gale Mote in memory of Gary Dietrich Nancy Pisarik Mulder ‘59 BOOSTER CLUB Hills Bank & Trust Company Joel Pendergrass Mustang Donors Hills Bank & Trust Company INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS Scott Peterson ‘71 Paul ‘90 & Jennifer Morf Classroom Cash Program Tom & Susan Pitlik Linda Pitlik ‘75 Mount Vernon Bank & Trust Co. Leading Donor Maroon & White Donors George Pospisil ‘59 Mary Bowman Seidler ‘57 Alliant Energy Foundation in memory of Doris Pospisil Gollobit ‘58 Maroon & White Donors for Jenna Wiebel Wischmeyer ‘91 John ‘66 & Cindy Pospisil Ben ‘05 & Brittany Corkin ‘04 Brannaman Budget Blinds Mustang Donors Bridge Bank Mike’73 & Katherine ‘80 Rice Darrell ‘61 & Donna Jordan Beth Hufford ‘84 Jerry Ringer ‘55 Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort Dr. Gary ‘65 and Gail Knutsen Andy & Kacey Kuntz ‘00 Schmit Downtown Dental, Dr. Dawn Gaffney Dave ‘85 & Heidi Ryan Duane ’93 & Leigh Jordan Fordyce Painting Michael & Shirley Ryan Amy Weber Maroon & White Donors iIn honor of David ‘85 & Russ ‘90 Ryan Scott Peterson ‘71 Howes Law Firm Clifford & Susan Albright ‘53 Kehrli Iowa Physical Therapy Richard Sanderson ‘48 Jenna Wiebel Wischmeyer ‘91 in memory of Ann Goodyear Mark ‘74 & Kris Sargent Jase Jensen Anonymous Andy & Kacey Kuntz ‘00 Schmit IN MEMORY OF SONDRA MOUNCE Lynch Ford Chevrolet Dr. Michael ‘62 & Susan Biderman Roger ‘56 & Marilyn Dean ‘58 Schnittjer Ruth Clark Mount Vernon Ace Hardware in memory of Gladys Rife Rebecca Showalter Hills Bank Mount Vernon Bank and Trust Company Jared & Caitlin Wieseler ‘04 Bienemann in honor of Ellen Klinsky Jones ‘51, Mount Vernon Bank in memory of Otto Schellberg William ‘57 & Myrt Clark ‘57 Bowers Allison, Emily ‘28, and Abbie ‘30 Schnoor Bill & Kay Riffey Mount Vernon Insurance Ben ‘05 & Brittany Corkin ‘04 Brannaman Mount Vernon Investment Center Eric Siggins ‘82 Marsha Siggins McWhinney ‘70 George ‘53 & Paula Brown Marie Sippola ‘59 Neal’s Water Conditioning in honor of Becky Livermore ‘88 in memory of Irene ‘Susie’ Tuetken ‘59 IN MEMORY OF JOHN MCVAY in memory of David Neal ‘60 Susan Brust Bertram Sippola ‘56 Geoffrey & Patricia Barrance One Mission Benton Campbell Matthew Slinker ‘90 Richard & Sarah Knight Pepsico David & Barbara Jo ‘56 Conn Craig and Jean Smith James Stickley RTE Properties Tandi Dausener Mike ‘68 & Valerie Smith Plenny J Bates Si Senor Jannes DeCamp Colin & Mary Squiers Collins Community Credit Union in memory of Howard DeCamp ‘51 David ‘68 & Jo Ann Thomson ‘70 Stoner Hal & Sharon Dendurent David ‘68 & Jo Ann Thomson ‘70 Stoner IN HONOR OF MUSTANG VISION Steve & Marie DeVries in memory of Sondra Mounce Rick & Trude Elliott Dennis & Janet Dietrich Tawnua Tenley Ruth Clark in memory of Gary Dietrich Debbie Thorman ‘74 Hands in Harmony Jeremy ‘89 & Carrie Elliott in memory of Debi Clark Bridgewater ‘76 in memory of Dave Spellerberg ‘89 Justen & Kim Zangger ‘94 Tucker FINE ARTS Your Richard & Carolyn Enns Douglas Van Metre David Enns ‘56 Mustang Donor in honor of David Van Metre ‘55 Darrell ‘61 & Donna Jordan Foundation Gift... in honor of the Class of 1956 David & Sandy Vislisel ‘80 Ruhs Tasha Erickson Craig Palmer ‘71 Robert Wagner ‘82 in memory of Carolyn Neal Palmer ‘42 Ed Fordyce ‘59 Paul & Deborah Weber supporting the James & Nancy Emrich Freeman in honor of Leo & Elsa Appleton in honor of Fred Burke Maroon & White Donors Bernie & Phyllis White Alliant Energy Foundation committment of the Paul Fugate ‘09 Kevin ‘76 & Becky Thumm ‘77 Whitman Rosalie Gallagher ‘63 for Jenna Wiebel Wischmeyer ‘91 in memory of Jo Wilch Ben ‘05 & Brittany ‘04 Brannaman Gerald & Penny Gerber and Randy Rundle ‘74 Mount Vernon Myra Croft Greve ‘58 John ‘60 & Thelma Rife Ryan ‘03 & Tasha Whitman Duane ’93 & Leigh Jordan in honor of Jim Kent ‘50 and Carol Croft Matthew Wilch ‘72 F O U N D A T I O N Kent ‘51, in memory of Dr James Croft ‘47 Allison Nissen Schools to Excellence Jenna Wischmeyer ‘91 Nathan & Meridith Voight and Diana Pringle Croft ‘46 Vincent Wolrab ‘57 DISTRICT ONLINE LEARNING HS BOYS BASEBALL and NETTING MV MIDDLE SCHOOL Sandi Erenberger Hanna ‘67 Jenna Wiebel Wischmeyer 199 Tanner & Kimberly Chickering Mustang Donor Mustang Donor in memory of Mary Ellison Wolrab ‘33 One Mission Fundraising Neals Water Conditioning Service Luneckas Law Firm in Academics, Arts, in memory of Lyle Hanna ‘64 ACTIVITIES LIVE STREAM 2020 Donors Laura Werkman ‘68 and Aaron Hanna ‘99 Bill Yeisley ‘52 EQUIPMENT Maroon & White Donors MS BANDS Barb Hansel ‘55 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Mustang Donor Ryan & Nicole Rentschler John ‘60 & Thelma Rife to the MV and Athletics in memory of Jack & Hildred Yeisley Richard Glattly ‘59 Downtown Dental Randy Kray David ‘68 & Jo Ann Thomson ‘70 Nancy Tonne Hansen ‘67 Steve & Mary Young Jacob ‘07 & Alexis Ryan Stoner Multi-Activities in memory of Jean Minish Stoner ‘37 Rae Zahradnik Maroon & White Donor Trey Ryan ‘14 and Warren Stoner ‘63 CLASS OF 1968 MEMORIAL FUND Rick & Trude Elliott, Dance Arts Iowa Paul Ryan ‘19 MS CHORAL PROGRAM Robert & Kimberly Zimmerman Michael & Karen Edwards ‘68 Packer Henry Ryan ‘23 John ‘60 & Thelma Rife Complex project Jane Hardin ‘67 KIDS IN NEED PROGRAM Mikey Ryan ‘26 in memory of Dr. Richard & Lillian Edwards www.MVAlumni.org in memory of Barbara Baker IN MEMORY OF JAMES BELLAMY Mustang Donors Shea & Emily Ryan ‘09 Stamp WETAP and Michael V. Baker Class of 1968 David ‘85 & Heidi Ryan Jason ‘90 & Brittany ‘90 Booth Anonymous Mustang Donors Thank you to the following donors who Jan Pospisil ‘68 in memory of Class of 1968 Dick & Deb George Rick & Trudy Elliott Paul ‘90 & Jennifer Morf Charles Halsey Roxanna Onstott ‘68 Barbara Moore Fred Burke contributed to the new Multi-Activities in memory of Steven Edwards ‘65 Randall Krejci Maroon & White Donors Lois Harms Jerry & Anne ‘68 Rehfuss BOYS BASKETBALL Complex Campaign in 2020. The new Don’t See Your Name Kevin ‘76 & Becky Thumm ‘77 Whitman Maroon & White Donors Alliant Energy Foundation Gary & Shirley ‘56 Heiserman Jeri ‘66 & Barb Thomsen ‘68 Neal Mount Vernon Bank & Trust Co. Mustang Donor for Douglas Kopp complex will serve our school district and the We are thrilled to continue our in memory of Lona Sterenberg Bremer ‘68 in memory of Larry Elbert Ed & Stephanie Timm Brenda Bany Listed Here? in memory of Doris Pospisil Gollobit ‘58 Mount Vernon community for years to come. fundraising efforts for a multi-activities IN MEMORY OF JOANN KROUL CLARK ‘64 Michael & Karen Edwards ‘68 Packer Suzette Kragenbrink Jason and Melissa Cullum 2020 DONORS Jane Hill complex on the district campus. The THIS LIST IS FOR 2020 DONATIONS. Sheila Borg Andrew Wolfe ‘78 Maroon & White Donors Katlyn Henik Jase Jensen in memory of Lona Sterenberg Bremer ‘68 Ed & Barbara Bjork US Bank Home Mortgage Jessica Johanningmeier TO THE MV proposed project will be located north WATCH FOR 2021 DONATIONS TO Janice K. Majors ‘57 Chris & Jane Suchomel ‘71 Carlson James Erickson Jaclyn Klimek Major Donor APPEAR IN A 2022 SPRING ISSUE Robert & Kay Jilovec ‘55 Lind Mount Vernon Bank Lion’s Club Anonymous of the high school and will include the CORONAVIRUS-19 Douglas and Diane Kopp OF THE DISTRICT NEWS. If you have in memory of Mildred and Joseph Jilovec Ray ‘64 & Ann Stoner Matthew & Ellen Mueller SOFTBALL Rachel Krug MULTI-ACTIVITIES following: Marilyn Jones MITIGATION EFFORTS Darrin & JoAnn Gage John ‘60 & Thelma Rife Kyle ‘02 and Taryn Kuntz Mustang Donors any questions, or need to report a Kevin ‘76 & Becky Thumm ‘77 Whitman Leading Donor Darrell & Donna Jordan ‘61 1 An eight-lane track and competition Darrell ‘61 & Donna Jordan Joel Pendergrass Allison Nissen change to me, please Bridge Bank The Greater CR Comm Foundation CAY POST PROM Andy & Kacey Kuntz ‘00 Schmit COMPLEX space for field events in memory of Dave Studt ‘61 Craig & Jean Smith Family Loren & Jennifer Hoffman Erika Uthe Maroon & White Donors 2 A turf field for football, soccer, let me know. IN MEMORY OF JIM GUNN ‘46 Ben ‘05 & Brittany ‘04 Brannaman Richard Kohl David ‘68 & Jo Ann Thomson ‘70 Stoner Ben ‘05 & Brittany ‘04 Brannaman marching band, and physical William ‘57 & Myrt ‘57 Bowers Mustang Donors ELEMENTARY LIBRARY Mike & Shirley Ryan Ann Koppenhaver ‘78 Ed Fordyce ‘59 PROJECTRick & Trude Elliott education classes Koppenhaver & Associates, PC BAND INSTRUMENTS SOCIAL JUSTICE CLUB Ingleside Club John ‘77 & Kaylene Kroul Joyce Loomis Major Gift Dean Borg Kyle ‘02 and Taryn Kuntz 3 Seating for approximately 1500 in memory of Keith Jilovec ‘54 Ryan Decker Larry Petrick ‘62 Dave Van Metre ‘55 Duane ’93 & Leigh Jordan spectators, a concession/restroom With continued Diana Kafer LaVoi ‘64 Maroon & White Donors Jennifer Erger for Mo Willems books Julie Gunn Thomas ‘70 Steve & Mary Young HS BAND Michael & Katherine Harris building, and a possible team room gratitude, in memory of Class of ‘64 deceased John ‘60 & Thelma Rife Gayle Keiser ELEMENTARY PLAYGROUND building Theodore & Christine Lawler IN MEMORY OF JINDA COLEHOUR David ‘68 & Jo Ann ‘70 Stoner Milo & Monica Miles Major Gift Ben Brannaman ‘05, Todd Lehr ‘88 SCHOOL LUNCH NEGATIVE BALANCES Andrew & Shannon Powers WETAP OHMAN ‘65 Mustang Donor HS ORCHESTRA Cory & Kerry Speth Foundation Director Robert ‘58 & Linda Lenz The project is estimated to cost [email protected] Mount Vernon Bank & Trust Co. Budget Blinds Serving Eastern Iowa John ‘60 & Thelma Rife Jordan & Tiffany Schier Maroon & White Donors approximately $4 million, and will Sandra Lighthall Thomas Viner Kyle ‘02 and Taryn Kuntz 319-693-9520 Karen Edwards Packer ‘68 HS CHORAL PROGRAM be funded through a combination of in memory of Bill Lighthall ‘66 Joyce Loomis SCHOOL NURSE PROGRAM John ‘60 & Thelma Rife MVMS PTO ELEMENTARY 2ND GRADE district funding and private donations. Kim Chickering Alliant Energy Alliant Energy Foundation HS ROBOTICS PROGRAM for Douglas Kopp for Douglas Kopp Completion of the project is tentatively Leading Donor Douglas and Diane Kopp Douglas and Diane Kopp scheduled for August of 2023 - just in DONATIONS MADE Bowker Mechanical Contractors Paul ‘90 & Jennifer Morf Thank you to the following time for our current 6th graders, the Lezli Luneckas-Broomhall ELEMENTARY 5TH GRADE We are thrilled to launch fundraising efforts for a TO THE Jamie Luneckas Class of 2027, to begin their high HS CARE CLUB Alliant Energy Foundation multi-activities complex on the district campus. Paul ‘90 & Jennifer Morf Stephanie Whisner for Douglas Kopp donors who contributed to school journey. Monica Chapman Douglas & Diane Kopp FOUNDATION HS SCIENCE OLYMPIAD Jessica Johanningmeier Thethe proposed new Multi-Activities project will be located Complex north of Hair Peace Salon, Kim Benesh ‘85 Kim Tucker ‘94 the high school and will include the following: Our goal with fundraising is to close (listed here) R Dewulf Kayla Billingsley 1 An eight-laneCampaign track and competition in 2020. space for the funding gap and do all that we Mount Vernon Eye Clinic Darin Luneckas field events SUPPORT MOUNT Rachel Krug 2 A turf field for football, soccer, marching band, can to offset the district’s investment Kristen Robinson ‘02 The new complex will serve HS SPEED & AGILITY PROGRAM and physical education classes in the project, allowing those funds VERNON STUDENTS Eric & LeAnn Briesemeister Brittney Palmer 3 Seating for approximately 1500 spectators, to be directed to other worthwhile Ami Leonard a concession/restroomour school district building, and and thea pos - CHEERLEADING Loren & Jennifer Hoffman school initiatives. Fundraising efforts Thank sible team room building John ‘60 & Thelma Rife Brooke Logue will continue through completion of the Amanda Latta Mount Vernon community Shirley Amthauer The project is estimated to cost approximately facility, and multi-year commitments DONATIONS MADE Kimberly Marshall You $4 million, andfor will years be funded to throughcome. a combi- are allowed. nation of district funding and private donations. TO THE ALUMNI Completion of the project is tentatively sched- We are pleased to announce that we uled for August of 2023 - just in time for our ASSOCIATION current 6th graders, theMajor Class Gift of 2027, to begin are nearing $1 million in gifts and their high school journey.Anonymous Our goal with fund- commitments thus far. We are excited SUPPORT THIS raising is to close the funding gap and do all for this facility to serve our kids and MUSTANG LEGACY SOCIETY that we can to offsetMustang the district’s Donors investment in Recognizing individuals who have chosen to include the Mount Vernon Community School District the project, allowing those funds to be directed community, and we look forward NEWSLETTER, Foundation in their estate plans. to other Darrellworthwhile & schoolDonna initiatives. Jordan Fundrais ‘61 - to working with our Mount Vernon Anonymous ing efforts will continue through completion of community near and far to help make ALUMNI ACTIVITIES the facility, andMaroon multi-year & White commitments Donors are al- it a reality. lowed.Ben ‘05 & Brittany ‘04 Brannaman AND EVENTS We are pleasedMike to announce& Shirley that Ryan we have se- Get in touch with Foundation Director 2020 DISTRICT EMPLOYEE DONATIONS cured roughlyRick $700,000 & Trude in gifts Elliott and commit- Ben Brannaman if you’re interested in WATCH FOR THE 2021 ments thus far. We are excited for this facility learning more about supporting this Employee donations support the Foundation’s Teacher Grants Program. to serve our kids and community, and we look ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Kaimee Akers Julie Dye Patty Mote Toni Stanbro Wiesenhofer forward to working with our Mount Vernon com- exciting project for MV Schools. Lisa Alger Leigh Ann Erickson Kevin Murray Kate Stanton munity near and far to help make it a reality. Get Ben can be reached at mobile DONATIONS AND DUES/ Heather Allen Sarah Fitzgerald Chris Noll Kathy Staskal in touch with Foundation Director Ben Branna- 319-693-9520 or by email at Kristin Anderson JoAnn Gage Jo Nowak-Thompson Kim Steele SUPPORT TO APPEAR IN THE man if you’re interested in learning more about [email protected]. Alaina Appley Lisa Greif Abby Ohlaug Kelsey Strope supporting this exciting project for MV Schools. FALL/WINTER 2021-22 ISSUE Greg Batenhorst Dennis Gross Stephanie Olney Sonya Sullivan ‘90 Ben can be reached at mobile 319-693-9520 or Mallory Beatty Megan Hach Joe Peters Ed Timm If you would like to make a gift today, Gina Becthold Robert Hanson LeAnn Pisarik Stephanie Timm by email at [email protected]. Mark Benesh ‘83 Bob Haugse Sheryl Pospisil Lauren Tittle you can do so online at www.mvcvsd. Robin Brand Annie Hawker Marcia Purington Whitney Turner ‘00 If you would like to make a gift today, you can org/give (select ACTIVITIES COMPLEX DID YOU MOVE? HAVE A NEW EMAIL Steve Brand Susan Hoyler Michael Raso Shawn Voigt ‘86 do so online at www.mvcvsd.org/give (select LeAnn Briesemeister Ericka Johnson Jodi Russell Scott Weber ACTIVITIES COMPLEX DONATIONS) or by mail DONATIONS) or by mail with checks ADDRESS? GET MARRIED? Lesly Bruner Brett Karkosh Heidi Ryan Stephanie Whisner with checks made payable to MVCSD Founda- made payable to MVCSD Foundation Don’t forget to send your updated Chiara Burke ‘78 Kristi Keast Raechel Sabin Krista Whitham tion and mailed to 525 Palisades Rd SW, Mt and mailed to 525 Palisades Rd SW, Matt Burke Vicky Wieseler Megan Krapfl Kacey Schmit ‘00 Vernon, IA 52314 Mount Vernon, IA 52314 *activities contact information, email addresses, Jennifer Carstensen Tim Larson Allison Schnoor Thad Wilkins *activities complex in the memo line. Megan Casey Mary Leopold Brandy Schurbon Erin Wilkinson complex in the memo line. and news items to the Alumni Chris Chapman ‘16 Susannah Maddock Linda See Tom Wilkinson ‘86 Association at [email protected] Miranda Chapman ‘14 Susan Maurice Andy Shea Maggie Willems ‘96 Jenny Ciha Jan Moore Raechel Shea Deanna Winder or text/call 319-389-8602 Susan Deibner Mollie Moses Kim Siggins Joelynn Winkler Cara Dix Lori Moss Emily Stamp ‘09 Mary Young TURN TO THE NEXT PAGE TO SEE LIST OF SCHOLARSHIP AND AUDITORIUM PROJECT DONORS OUR SCHOOLS 2020-2021 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 1 SPRING/SUMMER 2021 page 21

Magical Night stand out as a special and I worked at the middle school and achievement. Helping with past arts we had a few boys that always stayed 2020 SCHOOL immersion days and displaying student in for recess. While we washed the art at city hall during past Chalk the tables, one boy had key lime yogurt and DISTRICT Walk celebrations and in the Fine Arts had a scoop of it on a spoon. I took his booths during past arts festivals was arm to feed it to him and he shook the RETIREES also fulfilling. The mural we helped paint spoon, so I put my hand in the yogurt up-town with Strider Patton, a former and smeared it on his face. They all student, was also meaningful. laughed and started yelling “You guys SARAH FITZGERALD are the #1 lunch ladies.” Outstanding experiences were the two Year started at MV: separate years Kristi Keast and I worked I later ran into them at Adventureland 1991 with the Tiny Circus crew and parent and the kids noticed me and yelled Total years at Mount volunteers collaborating with all students out….” You’re the #1 Lunch Lady!” Vernon: 30 for week-long sessions of controlled Total years teaching: 38 chaos, making art and music creating What has changed in education? The use of two animated videos. laptops, computers, food allergies, and The past 30 years The Elephant Trap: lunch menu options. of my employment https://www.youtube.com/ in the Mount Vernon watch?v=ZsiGnd1knyw Retirement Plans: We bought a park Community school district beginning and Giraffe Trap: model in Pepin, Wisconsin. We will be with my initial job teaching alternative https://www.youtube.com/ spending a lot of time camping, fishing, kindergarten and part time art and then watch?v=Jmw64CLcWls and swimming in our pool. I will also full-time art have been gratifying and The evening world premieres of the films be helping more with my mother’s care rewarding. Retiring from something I outside on the school lawn attended and spending time with our grandkids. have thoroughly enjoyed has been a by children and their families were difficult decision. I am honored to have amazing. Parting Words: I will miss the kids and worked with such fantastic children teachers. Good luck to everyone! and staff. The elementary school has Parting Words and plans: I am about to step It’s been a couple of rough years but changed and grown physically and the into a new unknown world, leaving hopefully things will get better! number of students attending has almost the academic calendar behind. I hope doubled during my time. I feel fortunate to continue teaching art education to live and work in a district and students at University of Iowa and SUE community that values the arts. plan to substitute teach. I will be able to spend more on my personal art DEIBNER Another teacher or staff member who was a mentor practice. Presently I have a show of Year started at MV: or helped you in your career and what did they do my art at Palisades Café. I am excited 1996 that was helpful to you? “Art Brings Joy “(a about being able to travel throughout gift from Jo Nowak-Thompson) and “Art Total years at Mount the year and have many trips planned Vernon: 25 is all around” are two signs hanging in including a trip to Greece in September. the elementary studio that exemplify its Total years teaching: 41 I encourage everyone to pursue Cornell College, Regis, Mount Vernon wonderful environment. I treasure the creative opportunities and to continue time I spent assisting children learn about to advocate for and First year favorite memory: “During my first and create art. I will miss the magic support the arts in of the art studio filled with wonderful year, my Spanish classes were on a our schools and cart that I wheeled around the entire old children happily and playfully exploring community. and creating. There have been so many high school, current middle school. I had miraculous occurrences over the years classes in 4 different rooms. The tiny along with beautiful discoveries made SHERYL space between the Spanish and German by incredibly talented young artists. rooms was my “office” that housed I am delighted many families cherish POSPISIL everything I had and my cart. When I and display the art their children have started, it had never been cleaned out created. You can see some of my Year started at MV: 1992 from the previous Spanish and German students’ fabulous art on Instagram: Total years at Mount Vernon: 29 years teachers. I had to do a thorough @mvweart. Knowing that many former cleaning and requested a new metal students have pursued careers in the arts Another teacher or staff member who was a cabinet. They got one for me and it makes me happy. mentor or helped you in your career and what did was promptly organized with necessary they do that was helpful to you? Mr Krumbolz- items including: video cameras and One or two memories of events that happened He was a good, kind principal. He cassettes, audio recorders and cassettes, during your career at Mount Vernon that you would would listen to you and would always computer, clothing, plastic food, art share. Highlights of my time working in make the kids laugh. He was a lot of supplies, children’s books in Spanish, the district have included collaborating fun. magazines, games from home, maps, with district art teachers and members flags, and all my Spanish regalia that I of the local arts community on different One or two memories of events that happened had collected over my years of travels. projects. The large-scale collaborative during your career at Mount Vernon that you would My classes never lacked in hands on art installations we created each year for share. One memory was when my mom continued on next page www.MVAlumni.org

Retirees continued... library, a place that I used to frequent. Vernon and Lisbon School Districts. I feel Ruth Michaud helped me understand like the school has been my home, and learning. Everything we learned was that by making a challenging curriculum the faculty my family. Some of my most learned through practical application as that included good solid learning valuable and memorable experiences much as possible. I was used to moving in language and culture, as well as were: the consistent dedication and around, so my students got used to it as particulars that I was passionate about, hard work of the students, the crazy well. I would not only be a better teacher, but and creative video, audio, and art I would be true to myself. My promise to projects the students produced each We did cooking demonstrations, myself was that if I were to continue to year, the volunteer projects seniors scavenger hunts, dramatic videos, teach Spanish language and culture, I completed every year, supporting 4 audio-recordings like radio shows, would take students to countries abroad Latin American Children through the fashion shows, games outside, dramas so they could learn first hand what it NGO Child Fund International since for the elementary children and the local means to be bilingual, and so their 2005, taking students monthly to JFON preschool, raised money and collected world and cultural perspectives would (Justice For Our Neighbors) to help with supplies for victims of Hurricane be forever broadened and changed. legal services for immigrants also since Mitch and children in Latin America, 2005, raising and sending $6000 developed Pen Pal relationships with One or two memories of events that happened worth of goods in a truck bound for students in Nicaragua, started planning during your career at Mount Vernon that you Honduras following hurricane Mitch, for our first trip to Mexico, went out would share. Once my first students made designing and carrying out the Annual to eat with Spanish Club, learned the trip to Mexico, I realized a trip International Day with the Spanish to dance, and we learned so much every other year was not going to Club, traveling to 10 different countries Spanish we were amazed. Once as be enough. Since that first trip, I took over the course of 21 trips in 22 years, I was wheeling that cart with books, students to a Latin American country working with 7 different colleagues in magazines and art supplies down the every year for a total of 21 trips. The the language department during my 25 ramp into the commons, everything on countries we visited included Mexico, years, writing and performing fairy tales the cart went in the middle of the stairs! Spain, Guatemala, Belice, El Salvador, for the elementary classrooms and the All the students were running around Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Mount Vernon preschool, coaching one trying to avoid slipping on the stuff! Ecuador, and Peru. Every trip changed of the finest Cross Country teams in the Crazy! I was glad when after 2 years the lives of the travelers in amazing state of Iowa (every year we had one I was able to be located in a room at ways. They became more independent, or two teams make it to compete in the last!” more open-minded, deeper thinkers, and state meet, or individual competitors in a passionate about becoming bilingual recent year), and working with the finest Another teacher or staff member who was a and using the language in travel and group of educators for which anyone mentor or helped you in your career and what did eventual careers. could have wished. Muchas gracias por they do that was helpful to you? Neila Sneller todo! was the Spanish teacher I joined, and What has changed in education? I have she and I worked very closely together been teaching Spanish long enough developing a 4 year sequence of to see fads in teaching come and KIM STEELE learning that made sense and covered go. Our system to report grades has what we felt was needed. She had just changed. Some like it and some do Year started at MV: had a baby, so I ended up helping out not. I was fine with the changes. I 2002 with a lot of the extra organizational would say what has not changed is Total years at Mount things. She helped acquaint me with the importance of teaching for the best Vernon: 19 the textbook curriculum we were using success of the students. In languages Total years teaching: 31 at the time. I used the textbook as a that includes skills in the presentational good curricular resource, but really mode- speaking and writing, interpretive First year favorite taught lessons and developed activities mode- understanding when listening memory: I was first hired at MVMS as without the text. Tom Wilkinson helped or reading, and in the interpersonal the Student Success Coordinator. Dee me develop an 8th grade exploratory communication mode, all within the Winder reminded me that on the first that was to include the history of framework of authentic culture. day of school the year I started, I wore language and culture, and then some a “clown nose” as I greeted students. of both Spanish and German. Barb Retirement Plans: This was an unplanned She said she knew right then and there Hanson, the secretary at the time, retirement, until the confluence that I was definitely going to bring helped me learn the ropes – the ins and of COVID19 and my daughter’s “something” to the building. Who knew outs of everyday activities such as the pregnancy. Winry was born just before it would last for 19 years..? computers, attendance, how to get a the end of the first semester, and I began sub, how to claim space in the school. caring for her so Julia could continue her Another teacher or staff member who was a She made me feel at home. Bob Meeker important and necessary work taking mentor or helped you in your career and what helped me understand the loneliness care of seniors in a care center. I am did they do that was helpful to you? John of being a good high school teacher. continuing to use my Spanish daily, Krumbholz, my first principal at the He told me that if you are there at the and am working on German and some MV Middle School which is currently beck and call of students, it was not Japanese. the First Street Community Center. John easy to have much time with the other was an amazing leader!! He kept his staff. Suzette Kragenbrink and Vicky Parting Words: It has been an honor to focus and vision on the big picture but Wieseler were my go-to persons in the serve the young people of the Mount also saw and recognized the “little VOLUME 17 ISSUE 1 SPRING/SUMMER 2021 page 23 things” that teachers/staff did and were very gracious to me as I began my OUR SCHOOL YEAR always seemed to go out of his way to full time teaching career. 2020-2021 personally acknowledge that person for AUGUST: the accomplishment. Another teacher or staff member who was a mentor - starts in a hybrid schedule amid Covid-19 pandemic or helped you in your career and what did they do and August Derecho that hits the midwest One or two memories of events that happened that was helpful to you? - MVCSD welcomes 8 new teachers. during your career at Mount Vernon that you My math teacher colleagues have been SEPTEMBER: would share. One of my favorite memories great. Jan Sauter, Richard Scearce, and - Softball field renovations are in full swing after a $1.63 is of the MVMS SAT(Student Activities Beth McCollum were very generous with million donation given by alum Dave Van Metre ‘55 Team) club with Susan Maurice. their knowledge and really helped me OCTOBER: When Susan and I were co- hone my craft. Caitlin Bienneman, Kelsey - Volleyball is WAMAC Conference Champions coordinators of this club, we had Strope, Derek Roberts, Erin Wilkinson, - Keean Kamerling and Lauren Ryan are named 2020 regular after school/evening/holiday and Kim Bjork have continued that Homecoming King & Queen activity events, which included: tradition of sharpening me and making - Boys Cross Country team qualifies for State open gym, dances, wrestling room me a better teacher. I appreciate all that - Laura Swart & Anna Hoffman qualify for girls State dodgeball, karaoke, ping pong our building secretaries do -- Mary Hale Cross Country tournaments, crafts, student operated and Stephanie Timm help the ship to run - Sydney Jones qualifies for State Swimming & Diving concession stand, etc… These events smoothly and do so much that we as a - Iowa High School Press Association selects 10 MVHS showcased the students who wanted to staff and a community are not aware of. students for individual awards in journalism set up, decorate, organize and operate They deserve kudos and my thanks! NOVEMBER: the activities, learn how to count money, -Aaron Truitt named Middle School Athletic Director of the Year in the Northeast District and be a part of something bigger than One or two memories of events that happened - ESports team ends season as State Runner-Up themselves. I have many fond memories during your career at Mount Vernon that you would share. It is really hard to narrow - Volleyball team places 2nd at State over the years of these activity events. - Coach Maggie Willems ‘96 is named the Volleyball 3A this down. I really enjoyed figuring out Coach of the Year by the IGHSAU What has changed in education? Soooo how my students learned best. It was - 37 HS students inducted into National Honor Society many things have changed: grading, awesome to see the lightbulb go off - 12 MVHS students selected for the All-State Music technology, curriculum, demands on the when understanding took place! Festival classroom teacher - some for the better, JANUARY: some for the not so good, but one thing I really enjoyed working with high school - schools move back to full-time in-school education that has not changed is our clientele: students. I can think of no better place to - 18 out of 25 Large Group Speech groups qualify for the kids!! Through the years, just like have spent the past 18 years. State Speech Competition us, they also need routine, support, - Two MVHS students compete at the IWCOA Girls understanding, structure, accountability, What has changed in education? Technology State Wrestling Competition responsibility, “restarts”, being has made communication easier. Email, - Charles Chatman Jr. is new HS Baseball Coach allowed to learn from failure, patience, Google Classroom, Twitter all make FEBRUARY: kindness, etc. getting the information to students so - Keaton Kutcher becomes all-time boys basketball much easier. In addition there are other scoring leader, breaking broke Phil Rilett’s (1974) 47 Retirement Plans: I am very excited to amazing teaching tools that have made year old record with 1,514 points spend more time with my husband, teaching and learning fun and engaging. - Jackson Jaspers and Keean Kamerling earn trip to my children and my parents with the While mathematics has changed little in state wrestling, with both finishing 7th. - HS Large Group Speech earns 2 All-State flexibility of being able to substitute the past 18 years, the way it is taught, nominations teach as well. assessed, and graded has changed. Standards referenced grading is one of - MVCSD Staff is able to start receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations. the biggest changes I have seen in the MARCH: MARY past 18 years. - MVCSD will be offering a summer breakfast and lunch program again during the month of June 2021. YOUNG Retirement Plans: - Academic Decathlon Team won 3 overall Golds, 1 I plan to substitute teach at MVHS and Silver and 1 Bronze at the Regional Competition Year started at MV: spend more time with my kids and grand- - Swingin’ Stangs participates in the 2021 Jazz Corridor subbing- 1998; kids, take time to work in my garden and Project with guest artist Amy Friedl Stoner 01’ started in the travel with my husband, Steve. APRIL: classroom 2002, - HS ‘Mustang Moon’ newspaper named a Class A served on the school Parting Words: News Team of the Year Finalist. Remy Merrill was board 1999-2002 Mount Vernon is the place we chose to named one of Iowa’s Top 10 Emerging Journalists Total years at Mount Vernon: 18 in the settle and raise our family. Our children - ‘Bright Star’ is the high school spring musical classroom had the good fortune of being taught - WaMaC Art Fair hosted by MVHS in the new PAC Total years teaching: 19 by some of Iowa’s best. Know that as - District launches new website at www.mvcsd.org teachers we have the opportunity to - 9 high schoolers received All-State speech First year favorite memory: My first day in make a difference in the lives of our nominations for individual speech contests 2002 was memorable... I had fallen a students and their families. It has been a - Foundation launches new fundraising campaign for few days before and had injured my privilege to be part of the amazing things proposed $4 million activities complex cervical spine. I showed up the first day happening at MVHS. - HS Robotics takes four robots to state competition of school black and blue and wearing MAY: a c- collar. My colleagues and students - Nate Sanderson is named head girls’ basketball coach - 106 graduates receive their diplomas Non Profit Orgnization US POSTAGE ALUMNI P A I D SPRING/SUMMER 2021 Mount Vernon, Iowa MOUNT VERNON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Permit No. 3 525 Palisades Road SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD FOUNDATION TRUSTEES MOUNT VERNON COMMUNITY Andrew Morf’94, President Ann Koppenhaver’78 President SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD John Pospisil’66, Vice President David Ryan’85, Vice-President Sherry Grunder, President Alex Brannaman’09, Secretary Matt Burke, Treasurer. Nannette Gunn, Vice-President Susan Mounts’65 Fisher, Treasurer Virginia Roudabush Denise Henik Brannaman ’81, Member Jean Kuntz Bowman’64, Director Thomas Wieseler Rick Elliott, Member Michele Meyer Grudzinski’92, Director Jenna Wiebel Wischmeyer’91 Jeremy Kunz, Member Dennis Jordan’87, Director, Past President Carol Woods-Boren’75 Lori Merlak, Member Taylor Sedlacek’10, Director Mary Young Lance Schoff, Member Mary Thomsen’75, Director Ben Brannaman’05-Foundation Director Matt Burke, Board Secretary-Treasurer Kim Zangger Tucker’94 Dr. Greg Batenhorst, Superintendent Kathy Staskal, Communications

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